In the digital age, social media has become an essential tool for communication and expression that a very large part of the population (residents and citizens) of the United Arab Emirates uses on a daily basis.
Social media makes it possible to connect with people, share experiences, and convey messages. But be careful when using it. In the Emirates, the
Media Regulatory Office (formerly the National Media Council) manages and regulates activities related to all types of media.
The UAE Public Prosecution reminded all residents that they are not permitted to incite others to break the law, under penalty of severe sanctions.
Adapting the UAE's legal framework
The United Arab Emirates is a moderate and tolerant society, but also a federal state where authority governs residents' behavior and respect for others. The rules are often strict, which is why the crime rate is one of the lowest in the world.
Indeed, although the country has had a flourishing economy in recent years, it remains a Muslim and conservative country despite the government's tolerance.
Despite this flexibility, many expatriates and Emiratis sometimes fail to comply with the laws, which can occasionally lead to excesses, hence the adaptation of certain laws to maintain balance and everyone's safety.
The Public Prosecution constantly updates decrees and laws and encourages the entire population to stay informed and be aware of what constitutes a crime.
For example, fundraising without a license or violating privacy (photographing individuals without their consent) are acts that are heavily punishable in Dubai.
Each of us has a duty to learn about and understand the laws governing the country in order to avoid sanctions.
Article 209 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021
It is Article 209 of Federal Decree-Law No. (31) of 2021 that enacts the law on crimes and penalties.
The Public Prosecution of the United Arab Emirates recently issued a warning against such acts on social media platforms and stated that some offenders could even be imprisoned.
For example, an influencer was convicted by the court for insulting a private hospital on social media and using her notoriety to damage its reputation.
This incident did not go unpunished, as the court fined her AED 5 000 and ordered her to remove the video.
The government passed a law on this matter:
"Whoever insults another person or attributes to them an incident that would make another person liable to punishment or contempt by others, using an information network, information technology tool, or information system, shall be sentenced to imprisonment and/or a fine of at least AED 250 000 and no more than AED 500 000, the Public Prosecution stated."
In the Emirates, there is a police division specializing in social media crimes. For any incident, you must contact the Cybercrime and Electronic Evidence Department of the General Department of Criminal Evidence at Dubai Police.
Cybercrimes and social media in Dubai
Many social media users believe they have complete freedom of expression and defamation. They forget that the Emirates takes great care to regulate social media activities and that anyone who violates the laws will face very severe sanctions.
In the event of a violation of any of the laws governing social media, the penalty can reach AED 1 million or imprisonment.
These regulations were introduced to ensure the security and privacy of users throughout the territory.
The UAE's cybercrime laws play an important role in ensuring safe communication across all types of social media.
If you are a victim of cybercrime, you can report it through
- The eCrime website established by Dubai Police,
- The Aman service of Abu Dhabi Police or the "My Safe Society" application launched by the UAE Federal Public Prosecution.
Cybercrimes can also be reported to the nearest police station or by dialing 999.
The government has also published "The 10 Rules of Good Conduct on Social Media", available
HERE!
Dubai is a multicultural society where many nationalities from all over the world come together. Everyone arrives with their own knowledge and customs, sometimes completely different from those of the Emirates.
However, the Emirates have successfully adapted and established a regulatory framework that allows everyone to live in peace and harmony.
