Cyberbullying Law in UAE – With the development and advancement of the internet and the wide use of social media, it has become prone to widespread abuse. On a daily basis, we witness instances of cyberbullying, hacking, fraud, defamation, and so on. This is a significant and concerning trend that is being witnessed in practically every part of the world, including the UAE.
With the assistance of our best lawyers in Dubai, we will explain the crime of cyberbullying according to UAE cybercrime law and the punishment associated with it in this brief post.
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What are cyberbullying Law in UAE and penalties?
Cyberbullying in UAE is considered a serious offense, and there are laws in place to prevent and punish it. The Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes criminalizes cyberbullying and imposes penalties on individuals found guilty of such offenses. Cyberbullying is defined as any electronic communication, such as through social media platforms or messaging applications, that is intended to harm, intimidate, or threaten another person.
Penalties for cyberbullying in line with cyberbullying Laws UAE can include imprisonment for up to three years and/or a fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000, depending on the severity of the offense. The law also allows for the confiscation of any devices used to commit the offense.
In addition to federal law, some individual emirates within the UAE have their own laws and regulations related to cyberbullying.
For example, the Dubai Cyber Security Law No. 24 of 2015 criminalizes cyberbullying and imposes penalties on violators, including imprisonment and fines.
It is important to note that cyberbullying is taken very seriously in the UAE, and individuals found guilty of such offenses may face significant consequences. It is always best to practice online safety and respect others when using electronic communication platforms to avoid violating cyberbullying laws.
What are the cyberbullying Law in UAE ruling?
Our top cybercrime attorneys in Dubai have highlighted that the UAE has issued Federal Decree Law No. (34) of 2021 to combat all forms of cybercrime in the country (UAE Cyber Crime law). The prior legislation is totally repealed as of the adoption of this new one. The new law has comprehensive and in-depth provisions to address the crime of cyberbullying. Regarding punishment, our top attorneys have said that it varies depending on the type of cyberbullying.
The following are some of the prevalent types of cyberbullying:
1- Extortion
Extortion is the act of pressuring someone into doing something by using threats or coercion. If the perpetrator uses the internet to conduct this crime, they might face up to two years in prison and fines between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000. The new law’s Article 42 specifies the penalties and fines. Also, if the extortion results in terrible harm to any other person, our top criminal attorneys in Dubai have advised that the sentence be increased to ten years.
2- Insult
Currently, it’s fairly usual to insult or abuse someone on social media. The penalties outlined in Article 43 of the legislation, which includes imprisonment and a fine ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000, apply when someone is insulted by using false or unfavorable information.
3- Trying to capture or share pictures without permission
Taking photos without permission and disseminating them without permission is a severe crime that is covered by Article 34 of the new Cybercrime Code. Displaying pornography and disseminating obscene material are both crimes that are subject to punishment under this Article. The crimes listed in Article 34 are subject to imprisonment and fines that range from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000. It is important to remember that child pornography is illegal and subject to harsh penalties, including fines of up to AED 1,000,000.
4- social media Defamation in UAE
According to Article 44 of the legislation, a person who uses electronic technology to slander or insults a person faces a minimum sentence of one year in jail and a fine between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000.
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What you need to know about social media law in the UAE
The UAE’s various legal rules, including the Cyberbullying Law in UAE and the Cyber Crimes Law, protect people and organizations against behavior that violates their rights on social media.
Maintaining the appropriate online behavior required by UAE law requires extreme caution since it can have serious repercussions for both the perpetrator and the target.
according to social media regulations in the UAE, all kinds of defamation, insulting, cybercrime, and abuse have harsh acts by UAE authorities,
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1- Defamation and cyberbullying are illegal:
The UAE has strict laws against defamation and cyberbullying, which can include posting insulting or offensive content about individuals or groups on social media platforms. This can result in criminal charges and substantial fines.
2- Censorship and content restrictions:
The UAE has strict censorship laws, and social media platforms are subject to these regulations. Content that is deemed inappropriate, offensive, or against cultural or religious values can be removed, and individuals who post such content can face legal consequences.
3- Posting sensitive or confidential information:
It is illegal to post confidential or sensitive information about individuals or companies on social media platforms without their permission. This includes personal information such as names, addresses, and contact information, as well as financial information and trade secrets.
4- Cybercrime:
The UAE has comprehensive cybercrime laws that cover a range of offenses, including hacking, phishing, identity theft, and other forms of cyber fraud. Penalties for cybercrime can be severe and include imprisonment and fines.
5- Social media advertising:
Advertising on social media platforms is subject to regulations, and companies must comply with advertising laws and regulations in the UAE.
Overall, it is important to exercise caution when using social media platforms in the UAE and to be aware of the potential legal consequences of inappropriate or illegal behavior on these platforms.
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How can you protect yourself from cyberbullying in UAE?
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from cyberbullying in UAE. These include:
- Being careful about what you post online
- Keeping your personal information private
- Reporting any instances of cyberbullying to the authorities
- Blocking or unfollowing anyone who engages in cyberbullying
- Seeking help from a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional if you are a victim of cyberbullying
FAQ about cyberbullying Laws in UAE
1- What is cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is the use of technology, such as social media, texting, or email, to harass, intimidate, or embarrass someone. It can take many forms, including spreading rumors or lies, sharing embarrassing photos or videos, or sending threatening messages.
2- Is cyberbullying a crime in uae?
Yes, cyberbullying is illegal in UAE under the Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes in UAE. The law prohibits the use of technology to harass, insult, or defame others, and it imposes penalties, including fines and imprisonment, on those who engage in cyberbullying.
3-What are the consequences of cyberbullying in UAE?
The consequences of cyberbullying in UAE can be severe. Depending on the nature and severity of the offense, cyberbullies can face fines, imprisonment, or both. Additionally, victims of cyberbullying may suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Attorneys against Cyberbullying
Whether you need legal counsel for cybercrimes, cyber court cases, or defamation cases, Khairallah Advocates & Legal Consultants is your best option for outstanding law firms services with teams of advocates and the best professional lawyers in Dubai that are completely qualified to handle today’s legislation and legal needs.
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