25-Year Jail Term, 4 Million AED Fine for Cybercrimes

The UAE Cybercrimes Law prescribes rules on what we are allowed and not allowed to do online. Just recently, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued a decree introducing changes to Federal Decree-Law No. 05 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes.

Emiri Decree No. 02 of 2018 presents amendments to Articles 26, 28, and 42 of the UAE Cybercrimes Law, WAM News Agency reported. Keep on reading to learn more about it!

UAE President Issues Decree Amending Cybercrimes Law

Based on this latest decree, the UAE Cybercrimes Law has been updated with the following provisions:

Article 26

  • Jail term of 10 years to 25 years, as well as a fine of AED 2 million to 4 million, awaits those who publish information, establish, manage, or run a website for the interest of a terrorist group or any unauthorised group, body, or organisation.
  • Wherein such groups use computer networks or information technology to: facilitate communication among their leaders and members, attract new members, finance their activities, promote or praise their ideas regarding terrorist acts.
  • Jail term not exceeding 5 years and a fine of AED 500,000 to AED 1 million for those who publish information, establish, manage, or run a website with the aim of inciting hate.
  • The court may decide to put first-time offenders under electronic probation and monitoring, during which they will be prevented from using information technology for a period not exceeding the aforementioned maximum penalty.

Article 28

  • Temporary imprisonment and a fine not exceeding AED 1 million for those who use information, establish, manage, or run a website with the aim of inciting acts, publishing or transmitting information, news, drawings, or pictures that may endanger the higher interests or national security of the State, affect public order, or attack any member of the judicial system.

Article 42

  • Subject to the second paragraph of the UAE Penal Code Article No. 121, the court may decide to deport a foreigner who is convicted in any of the crimes mentioned in Federal Decree-Law No. 05 of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes.

NOTE: Any provision that is in contrary with the provisions of this Decree-Law will be repealed. Moreover, the latest version will be published in the Official Gazette.

As you can see, the UAE takes it cybercrime law very seriously, especially if it involves terrorism, endangers national security, or goes against the interests of the State. To avoid getting into trouble, make sure that you are aware of this law, along with the social media rules in the UAE.

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