Technology, Media & Telecoms - Law Update: Issue 348 - Technology, Media and Telecommunications

Technology, Media & TelecomsLaw Update: Issue 348In this edition of Law Update, we have sought to provide an interesting mix of articles that primarily address issues relevant to the TMT industry sector.Contents

Welcome to this month’s Law Update.

This issue of Law Update focuses on a sector that is at the centre of everything we do, whether at work, at home or socialising. It is a sector that has grown and evolved exponentially and shows no signs of slowing down, I am of course referring to - Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT). The TMT sector’s pace of innovation continues to challenge and inspire us to incorporate new strategies, develop innovative technologies, products, and services that can help refine how we work, live and do business.

However, if we go back two years, did we see this unprecedented digital change coming?! I cannot imagine many experts or commentators would have predicted the pace at which innovations have been rolled out. The accelerated innovation and adoption is fundamentally due to the pandemic; however, it is exciting to note that while we are embracing a post pandemic world, the digital evolution continues and the pace of innovation shows no signs of dropping off.

Governments and businesses across the region recognise the benefits a more digital economy will bring, and are consistently removing barriers that can prevent transactions, or the further evolution of technological change. Recent regional examples include, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulation Law that was announced in March this year. The law is designed to protect investors and promote responsible business growth under international standards. Another example is the data protection laws published across various MENA jurisdictions. Similar to the Virtual Asset Regulation, the data protection law has been established to provide a regulation that protects and is in tune with international standards.

Data protection is an area that we have covered in this edition of Law Update, specifically personal data protection, data protection in Bahrain in the context of connected and autonomous vehicles, and being cloud compliant. Furthermore, the TMT focus pages will provide you with access to a mix of pertinent subjects that are high on our radar. The focus articles include - Fintech in Egypt, Crypto-mining in the Middle East, and Online Steaming Activity in Kuwait. In addition, the focus sheds light on the new UAE Cybercrimes Law, discusses Regulating Mergers and Acquisitions in the Saudi Telecoms Sector, and looks into the Opportunities and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Arbitration. That’s by no means all, there are many more articles within the TMT focus that I am sure you will find resourceful and interesting.

Outside of our TMT focus, we feature three important articles in our general section. First, is a great article on global trademarks and the UAE joining the Madrid Protocol. Second is a transport related piece that shares an Iraqi perspective of transportation contracts. The thrid article looks into the new rules of the Dubai International Arbitration Centre.

In the final section of this edition we continue to share with you real-life judgments that provide context to the legal landscape across the region.

I hope that you enjoy this issue, and should you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me or any of the lawyers that have contributed.