UAE social media laws: Rules, fines and what you need to know before posting
Lawyers have offered guidance on UAE social media laws after the National Media Authority took legal action against a resident for publishing content containing offensive statements about Emirati women. The post was regarded as diminishing the dignity and status of Emirati women, which was unacceptable, said a prominent Emirati lawyer. “A line was crossed because the language used was certainly…
The National Media Authority in the UAE took legal action against a resident for publishing offensive content about Emirati women. The lawyer Maha Bin Hendi explained that the post was disrespectful to Emirati national identity and dignity. She emphasized that suitable Emirati women were not available due to a lack of representation.
Ms Bin Hendi urged residents to respect the UAE's diversity and national identity. Social media has redefined publication, where comments can quickly reach thousands and private disagreements can become public through screenshots. Social media gives everyone a voice, but with consequences for reckless use. Nikhat Sardar Khan, a Dubai-based lawyer, highlighted the lack of a single law governing social media.
Different rules apply based on various factors like privacy, reputation, discrimination, falsity, and personal, media-related, or commercial content. Before posting, consider if the post is necessary, remember that privacy online differs from physical space, and verify the truth before sharing. Respect religious beliefs, national identity, and social cohesion.
Breaching media content standards can result in penalties ranging from warnings to fines of Dh1 million or license cancellation.
Written by urgent.news from The National Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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