Dubai Police have issued a stern reminder to social media users in the UAE about the severe legal consequences of posting abusive or offensive content online. The warning underscores the country’s commitment to combating cybercrime and maintaining a respectful digital environment, with penalties including fines up to AED 500,000 and potential jail time.
The Cybercrime and eSecurity Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation stressed that misusing digital platforms to insult or undermine the dignity of others is a criminal offense. Authorities clarified that any content published online, including comments and posts, is considered traceable digital evidence that can be used against the author in legal proceedings.
This warning is backed by Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes. Specifically, Article 43 addresses defamation and slander, stipulating that anyone who insults another person or attributes allegations that could lead to punishment or public contempt via digital means can face imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000.
Dubai Police urged all residents and visitors to practice responsible online behavior, emphasizing the need to respect others and adhere to the values and customs of UAE society. This reminder is particularly crucial for the community to understand that online actions have real-world consequences.
Members of the public who encounter cybercrime incidents are encouraged to report them. Reports can be made through the eCrime platform, via the Dubai Police smart application, or by calling the non-emergency number 901.
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UAE Rules on Social Media
UAE authorities have reported that the number of violations committed using social media has risen by over 56% from 357 in 2018 to 512 cases in 2019.
In line with this, officials continue to warn the public about the consequences of posting defamatory and insulting comments and/or messages online. They emphasized that such violations warrant a fine of up to AED 500,000 according to UAE law.
![[WARNING] Posting Defamatory Content on Social Media Can Be Fined By Up to AED 500,000 in UAE](https://dubaiofw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/defamation-fine.jpg)
Posting Malicious Comments Against Others On Social Media Can Be Fined By Up to AED 500,000
In line with this, the Federal Public Prosecution issued a warning to caution UAE residents against committing such violations and its corresponding consequences.
“The law imposes a penalty of imprisonment and/or a fine of between Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 on whoever posts insulting comments online or sends slanderous and defaming messages to others via the Internet,” the Public Prosecution said.
“Article 20 of the Federal Law No. 5 2020 on combating cybercrimes stipulates that a person is subject to punishment if he/she carries out the crimes by using the Internet or any forms of information technology,” the prosecution added.
Among the major violations committed between 2018-2019 include publishing and spreading false information; posting and spreading insulting, abusive comments; online harassment; extortion, threats and blackmail; posting fake ads and rumours; swearing, defamation and inciting others to commit crimes; encroaching on the privacy of others; and fraud.
It can be recalled earlier this year that the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs through Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Arriola, issued a warning for Filipinos in the Middle East, noting that Gulf nations impose stiff punishments to purveyors of fake news as well as those who tarnish the reputation of their citizens and country.
That said, it’s best to not post anything that could potentially offend or malign anyone while residing in the Middle East to avoid any complications or even getting fined or jailed for such acts.
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