DUBAI (ALETIHAD)
Dubai Police have warned that online abuse and the use of offensive or insulting language on the internet and social media platforms can lead to legal accountability under UAE law.
The Cybercrime and eSecurity Department at Dubai Police’s General Department of Criminal Investigation stressed that misusing digital platforms to insult others or undermine their dignity exposes individuals to criminal liability.
Content published online is considered traceable digital evidence and can be used in legal proceedings against its author.
Dubai Police clarified that Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes criminalises online abuse. Article 43 on Defamation and Slander stipulates a penalty of imprisonment and or a fine ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 for anyone who insults another person or attributes allegations that could subject them to punishment or public contempt through information networks or digital means.
Dubai Police emphasised that responsible online behaviour is essential, urging users to respect others and adhere to the values, customs, and traditions of society when using social media and digital platforms.
Members of the public can report cybercrime incidents through the eCrime platform, via the Dubai Police smart application, or by calling 901.