It’s hard to know what to make of Du’s announcement it is to block all non-suitable-for-the-UAE websites. The decision brings Du into line with TRA guidelines and stops a two-tier system of internet access - unfettered in the work freezones and new freehold residential areas, heavily censored for the rest – but it certainly stains Dubai’s live-and-let-live attitude to expat living.
For media companies based in
Alcohol is freely available to buy once a license has been obtained, residents can use their Du mobile to call a bookmakers in the UK to place a bet, singles in Dubai’s bars and clubs are free to ask someone out on a date. Blocking websites is symbolic, it is an annoyance, but it may not be much use in upholding values.
2 comments:
I like the conclusion ... calling it 'symbolic' instead of using a negative term (after reading many angry blogs on the subject) is very much worthy of a stop and a comment :)
Thanks am. I think Du are in a a difficult position. I would imagine many of their customers (or the ones owning homes in, say, The Springs, and working in Media City) couldn't care less about upholding the morals of the UAE. They want unlimited online access. But Du is a UAE business, with interests in the Gulf, how can it be seen to side with these 'alien' values? Tough call.
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