Tina Kerkar
Legal Associate, Samira al Zarooni Advocates & Legal consultants
We all must have come across some sort of rumors and fake news being circulated around at least once in our lifetime. Some of us can gather from the basic reading itself that it is false news and will ignore the same but others will take it seriously which can in turn cause havoc.
Especially in today’s age where social media has become an active part of people’s lives and you just cannot escape it.
Legal point of view
According to the Article 52 of the Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 On Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes:
Punishment for anyone who uses internet to post, propagate, circulates rumors / false and fabricated news that would provoke terror among people or harm public interest or national security or breach public peace, differing from the officially published news, is imprisonment for not less than 1 year and fine of at least 100,000 AED.
And if such misinformation actually provokes public opinion against UAE Authorities, committed during the time of disasters/ epidemic, in that case the punishment is imprisonment for not less than 2 years and a fine of at least 200,000 AED.
Seek Legal Advice
If you require legal assistance with any content posted on social media or if you are facing any accusations, seek professional legal advice from an experienced lawyer in the UAE.
Conclusion drawn
This law is specifically intended to stop the spread of rumors and false news.
The general public needs to count on credible and official news and must avoid blindly circulating any news without making sure that it is authentic and true as it can harm public safety.
Be Vigilant, stay safe.
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