Publishing news, visual materials, or rumors online with the intent to ridicule or harm the reputation, prestige, or status of the UAE is illegal. Have you ever shared a post that turned out to be fake? Or perhaps enjoyed trolling others online? In the UAE, such actions could lead to severe penalties.
Sharing misinformation, rumors, or defaming someone online can result in serious trouble. Recently, the UAE has been enforcing stricter rules regarding social media usage. As of July 2024, Abu Dhabi has implemented a law where social media influencers and businesses engaged in advertising without a license will be penalized.
Here are the seven actions you must avoid on social media to comply with UAE laws:
- Criticizing or attacking the President of the UAE or the Rulers of the Emirates, or criticizing the country’s system of governance, or harming the higher interests of the state.
- Harming the economic system of the country by spreading rumors or sharing misleading news.
- Posting opinions that violate public morals, insult minors, or promote destructive principles.
- Distorting discussions or public sessions of courts or regulatory bodies in the country.
- Deliberately spreading false news, forged or fabricated documents, or falsely attributing them to others.
- Criticizing the actions of a public official or a person in a public representative position.
- Engaging in online behavior that damages the reputation or prestige of the UAE, including trolling or sharing content intended to ridicule.
You could face a heavy fine of up to Dh500,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years for publishing information, news, visual materials, or rumors online with the intent to ridicule or harm the reputation, prestige, or status of the country.
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