Have you ever shared a post that later proved to be false? Or perhaps you occasionally engage in online trolling? In the UAE, such actions can lead to penalties. Disseminating misinformation, rumors, or defaming individuals online can result in significant legal issues in the country. The Emirates have recently intensified their enforcement of stricter social media regulations. Starting from July 2024, Abu Dhabi has enacted a law penalizing social media influencers and entities involved in advertising and providing advertising services without a license.
Here are seven actions you should refrain from on social media to adhere to the national norms and laws:
1. Criticizing or attacking the President of the UAE or the Rulers of the Emirates; or criticizing or attacking the country's governance system or jeopardizing the state's higher interests.
2. Damaging the country's economic system by spreading rumors or sharing deceptive news.
3. Posting opinions that contravene public morals, insult minors, or advocate destructive principles.
5. Distorting discussions or public sessions of courts or regulatory bodies in the country.
6. Deliberately spreading false news, forged or fabricated documents, or falsely attributing them to others.
7. Criticizing the actions of a public official or a person in a public representative position.
You could face severe penalties, including fines 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 damage the reputation, prestige, or status of the country.
