Living In UAE

Reader complaint

UAE: Dh250,000 fine, jail for this social media violation

Explained: UAE’s federal laws on online defamation and how you can register a case

Published: August 03, 2020 19:46 Huda Tabrez, Living in UAE Editor

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If you have been a victim of online defamation or a cyber crime in the UAE, what is the legal recourse available to you? — Image Credit:

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A Gulf News reader complained about his acquaintances posting about his debts on social media — Image Credit:

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Are they allowed to do so? — Image Credit:

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This is the legal recourse available to you — Image Credit:

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Article 21 of the Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 — Image Credit:

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A maximum penalty of Dh500,000 — Image Credit:

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online defamation — Image Credit:

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Eavesdropping, interception, recording, transferring, transmitting or disclosure of conversations or communications — Image Credit:

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Photographing others or creating, transferring, disclosing, copying or saving electronic photos — Image Credit:

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Publishing information even if true and correct is punishable depending on the judgement — Image Credit:

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“… Shall also be punished by imprisonment for a period of at least one year and a fine not less than Dh250,000 and not in excess of Dh500,000 or either of these two penalties whoever uses an electronic information system ... — Image Credit:

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“… or any information technology means for amending or processing a record, photo or scene for the purpose of defamation of or offending another person or for attacking or invading his privacy.” — Image Credit:

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“… a fine not exceeding Dh10,000 shall be imposed upon anyone who, by any means of publicity, disgraces the honour or the modesty of another person without attributing any particular act to the defamed party … — Image Credit:

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“… Detention for a period not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding Dh20,000 or either of these two, shall apply if a public official or one who is in charge of a public service has been abused during, because of, or on the occasion — Image Credit:

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“… Detention for a period not exceeding two years and a fine not exceeding Dh20,000 or either of these two, shall apply if a public official or one who is in charge of a public service has been abused during, because of, or on the occasion — Image Credit:

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“… of performing his duty or public service, if the abuse affects the honour or injures the reputation of families, or it is noticed that the abuse is intended to achieve an illegal purpose … — Image Credit:

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“… However, if the abuse is published in any newspaper or printed media, it shall be considered an aggravated case.” — Image Credit:

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How to lodge a complaint — Image Credit:

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• Dubai Police online portal – ecrime.ae – which enables individuals to record a complaint of cybercrime. • Public prosecution – www.pp.gov.ae — Image Credit:

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• Visit the closest police station in your area. • Call 999. — Image Credit:

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