UAE warns: online insults can lead to jail, hefty fines
JournalismPakistan.com | Published 4 months ago | JP Staff Report
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ISLAMABAD — UAE authorities have reminded social media users that abusive or defamatory comments, whether written, audio, video, or in live streams, are criminal offences punishable by law, Khaleej Times reported.
Sharjah Police’s Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zawd said comment sections are often misused to mock or humiliate content creators, but “posting on a public thread does not give anyone the right to attack others.” Under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, amended by Law No. 5 of 2024, online insults can result in imprisonment and fines from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000, with harsher penalties for targeting public officials or using widely followed accounts.
Dubai Police’s Major Abdullah Al Sheihi warned that “every word is recorded and traceable,” even in casual live chats, and “saying ‘I didn’t know’ is not a legal defence.”
Legal consultant Wael Obaid confirmed that many defamation cases now stem from comments, not original posts, and urged users to think before engaging. Authorities stress that online respect is not optional — it’s the law.
