According to an article in 7days, police are working to control web sites such as YouTube fearing that they are having a bad influence on UAE youngsters.
General Khamis Al-Muzaina, Deputy director of Dubai Police, met a representative from Google yesterday to discuss the issue after the head of Dubai Police Lt General Dahi Khalfan Tamim expressed concerns that YouTube can harm youngsters.
Al-Muzaina urged Google to help control the site. He said: “The internet is a good way to get information and communicate but there are some people using it for things that are against our country’s traditions and morals.” “We are not against freedom but it’s our duty to protect our country and its traditions.”
Speaking about YouTube Doctor Mohammad Murad from the Youth Protection Institute said: “There is porn and videos mocking religion and some videos which encourage violence and terrorism. It’s not good for youths and can cause hate and damage the nation,” he said.
Al-Muzaina added that the police were increasing their efforts and cooperation with Etisalat to protect society. “The youth is the future of our nation and we must protect them from bad things on the internet” he added.
Jesile Hiskok director of Google developer in the Middle East said a team from Google is discussing the issues with officials in the UAE.
my person belief is that restrictions cannot prevent the youth from doing something they want to do. Yesterday, for axample i saw a video report on a rock band in Iran, and rock music is frowned upon in Iran. Young people will always be able to get around bans Moreover, they will feel a sense of accomplishment if they achieve to do what's banned, therefore such methods of banning are not productive of good results in the education and development of youth, whether in Dubai or anywher
Is it not possible that Google offers a version for the UAE that is different from those for other countries? I know that in China you don't get to search for tibet, falungong and other political issues, sensitive for the Chinese rulers
I concur with kumar. The best-protected house is the one you that can be left with the door open. Bans just make it more attractive to go for what's banned.