Influencers are no longer just individuals looking for a part-time job but have become a real career with some earning millions of ringgit a year. This is because the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has published guidelines on income that must be declared for tax purposes.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has since February 1st finally made it mandatory for social media influencers to have an advertising license before being allowed to carry out any online promotions. The announcement regarding this license requirement was made last year.
If they fail to obtain a license, a fine of 1 million AED (~RM 1,075 million) will be imposed by the authorities. The license requirement covers influencers who carry out promotions on social media, blogs, websites and any digital platform. The license is mandatory for influencers with the status of citizens, residents and visitors who produce advertising content in the UAE. The license is valid for one year for citizens and 3 months for non-citizens.
The displayed advertisements must meet 20 mandatory content standards issued by the UAE Media Council. The permit number must be clearly displayed on social media profiles. Exemptions are only granted to personal accounts promoting their own services or products, as well as individuals under the age of 18 who produce educational, cultural, sports or community messaging content.
The license was introduced to increase the professionalism and transparency of the digital advertising industry, while at the same time protecting the public from misleading or harmful content.
