Scroll with Caution: The Legal Weight of Every Post in the UAE

In today’s digital age, where a single social media post can travel across the world within seconds, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reinforced the principle that online expression carries accountability. Every post, comment, or share is subject to legal and ethical standards designed to protect dignity, privacy, and public order.

Defamation and Online Conduct

The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes (Cybercrimes Law) establishes strict penalties for defamation, slander, and false accusations online.
Under Article 43, publicly insulting or attributing false qualities to another individual through digital means is a criminal offence, punishable by fines between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000, and in aggravated cases, imprisonment.

In 2025, the Dubai Court of Appeals upheld a fine of AED 5,000 against a resident for defamatory Google reviews against a nurse, reaffirming that online speech is not immune from legal consequences.

The UAE Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, Articles 425–430) reinforces this stance by criminalising public insults or false statements accusing others of unlawful acts. Together, these laws ensure that online platforms cannot be used to harm reputations under the guise of personal opinion.

Data Privacy and Consent

The Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL) sets clear boundaries for how personal information can be collected, processed, or shared.
Entities—including influencers, employers, and businesses—must ensure transparency, consent, and confidentiality when dealing with personal data.

Under Articles 7 and 10, data must be processed lawfully, with clear consent from the individual concerned. Unauthorised sharing of private conversations, contact details, or images may lead to fines or administrative penalties.

Recent Developments

In recent years, authorities have increased oversight on digital media and influencer activity.
Under the Media Regulatory Office and UAE Media Council, individuals engaged in online promotions or commercial activities must now hold a media licence.

Unlicensed activity or misinformation can attract fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 1,000,000, reflecting the government’s firm stance on responsible content creation.

Consequences and Enforcement

Violations may lead to:

• Criminal charges under Article 43 (Cybercrimes Law)

• Civil lawsuits for compensation under Articles 282–284 of the Civil Transactions Law

• Administrative penalties for breaches of data protection or media regulations

• Deportation for non-citizens convicted of defamation or privacy breaches

Employers may also take disciplinary action if employees’ online behaviour harms corporate reputation or breaches UAE law.

Staying Legally Safe Online

To remain compliant:

• Verify facts before posting or sharing.

• Obtain consent before publishing private details or images.

• Hold valid trade or media licences for online commercial activity.

• Maintain records of permissions and communications.

• Delete or correct inaccurate content promptly.

Conclusion

The UAE’s message is clear—digital freedom comes with responsibility. Defamation, privacy violations, and misinformation are not tolerated under the country’s cyber, media, and data protection laws.

Respect, consent, and truth form the foundation of lawful online expression in the UAE.
Your post, your words, and your intent—each carries legal weight.