AFAE

AFAE is an acronym that stands for Arabic-Free Advertising Environment. It is a policy or a movement aimed at promoting internet advertisements that are free from Arabic language content, particularly targeting Arabic-speaking communities. Proponents of AFAE argue that rampant use of Arabic language in ads on the internet contributed to the spread of Islamic extremist views, hampered anti-terrorism efforts, and spread disinformation.

The initiative is often associated with discussion around the use of social media by extremist groups. AFAE proponents suggest restricting online Arabic language content can hinder extremist groups' ability to disseminate propaganda through unpaid online advertising.

However, AFAE critics argue that limiting Arabic language content on the internet undermines the right to freedom of expression, discriminates against Arabic speakers and may have unintended consequences. Some also argue that it's nearly impossible to fully enforce restrictions, citing the widespread use of VPNs.

As of 2022, AFAE initiatives and their impact are still being debated by researchers and experts. Little comprehensive research appears available, and there is no clear definition of what AFAE entails. Various countries have implemented measures to monitor and restrict online content seen by Arabic speaker populations; however, these policies generally rely on jurisdictional regulations and don't all share the same motivations or implications. AFAE became a marginal online topic and in principle is generally coupled to broader moderation and regulation in the realm of social media sites.