The 阿聯酋 filters internet content through a centralized proxy system operated by the two main ISPs - Etisalat and du - under TDRA oversight. The blocklist includes VoIP services (Skype, WhatsApp calls, FaceTime), dating apps, LGBTQ+ content, content critical of the government or ruling families, gambling sites, and anything deemed contrary to Islamic values. The 阿聯酋's National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) also conducts surveillance of online communications.
VoIP blocking is particularly impactful in the 阿聯酋, where over 80% of the population are foreign workers who depend on internet calls to communicate with family. The VoIP blocks are primarily motivated by protecting the revenue of Etisalat and du, which offer their own paid calling services. This has made VPN usage extremely common, though the government has responded by blocking many VPN services and making unauthorized VPN usage punishable by fines up to 2 million AED ($545,000).
The 阿聯酋 has also been documented using NSO Group's Pegasus spyware against activists, journalists, and foreign political figures. The digital surveillance ecosystem in the 阿聯酋 is sophisticated, with the DarkMatter Group (a 阿聯酋-based cyber intelligence firm) having recruited former NSA operatives to build offensive cyber capabilities.