UAE reminds of the rules on social media
The United Arab Emirates is known for its strict legal system, including with regard to the use of social media. With the growing popularity of social media, the government has introduced a number of laws aimed at protecting citizens and maintaining public order. These laws deal with various aspects including protection of personal information, prevention of spreading hatred and defamation, and respect for cultural and religious norms.
One of the major offences is failure to respect personal privacy. In the UAE, it is illegal to share photos of people without their consent, which can result in prison sentences of six months or more and fines of AED 150,000 to AED 500,000.
The law also severely penalises discrimination and hate speech. Insulting religions and using social media to incite conflicts based on race, gender or faith is prohibited.
Defamation and defamatory publications are also criminal offences. Even truthful statements can be recognised as defamation if they damage another person’s reputation. Fines for such offences can be as high as AED 500,000 and prison sentences are also possible.
The spreading of rumours and fake news is also strictly regulated. The Cybercrime Law covers a wide range of actions, including spreading false information, which can lead to serious legal consequences even if the user had no intention of causing harm.
Respect for religious and cultural norms is an important aspect of UAE law. It is prohibited to post content that is contrary to public morality, including material that could be perceived as blasphemous or immoral.
The legislation also covers issues relating to undermining national unity. Inciting hatred or violence and insulting national leaders are prohibited. Even seemingly innocuous publications could lead to legal consequences if they were perceived as a threat to public order.
It is worth recalling that social Influencers in the UAE require a licence to conduct commercial activities. Violation of this requirement can result in fines of up to AED 10,000. Companies using social media for marketing must also comply with all laws to avoid legal repercussions and reputational losses.
Source: The National
