Several things that we read online, especially in our social media feeds, may seem real but are usually false. Information or hoaxes that are purposely designed to mislead or deceive readers are considered fake news. Such news is typically produced to influence public opinion, launch political propaganda, or stir up a ruckus that benefits publications’ bottom lines. The legal repercussions one may experience after spreading fake news on social media or any other online platform are covered in this essay by top lawyers from Dubai. Despite any false notion, the UAE has always been a place of safety and shelter. The government consistently enacts laws and regulations to protect the interests of society as a whole. With the help of consistently having the most recent technology and education, the UAE has demonstrated that it is strict about ensuring the preservation of human rights as well as maintaining order and protection. The government always has programs in place to protect UAE citizens. New technology also comes with more sophisticated punishments, but one should be aware of the legal repercussions of spreading false information or fake news in the UAE. Currently, it’s usual to see different news stories on our social media websites and share them without verifying their veracity. So, it is imperative to think carefully before clicking the “Share” button as doing so could result in a fine of 1 million dirhams. If you come across such news, attempt to read more about it to determine its veracity before distributing it. In this article by experienced legal consultants, we are discussing the legalities of spreading fake news.
The UAE has laws that make it illegal to use social media to promote false information, including Federal Decree-Law Number 34 of 2021. Anyone detected engaging in the dissemination, publication, or circulation of false material through their social media profiles or other online platforms will face penalties under Article 52 of the Law. The information to this effect was posted on the Public Prosecution’s official social media account for the United Arab Emirates. The reform makes an effort to prevent persons from disseminating harmful, deceptive, or inaccurate material online or via social media. As a result, the public may become upset by the information, which can occasionally cause panic among the populace. According to the new reforms, anyone who publishes such false information is guilty of violating the law. Without verifying the news or the source, those who share or disseminate it risk fines and perhaps imprisonment. Every person is therefore accountable for checking the accuracy of the material before publishing it or disseminating it through social media.
Penalties for spreading the false information
Spreading false information online can have serious consequences in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the rise of social media and the internet, there has been an increase in false information being shared online. In an effort to combat this issue, the UAE government has introduced stricter penalties for spreading rumors and untrue information online. There are two aspects to the latest reform about spreading rumors and untrue information online. The first aspect relates to spreading false information during normal times. If a person is found guilty of spreading false news online, they can face a minimum of one year of imprisonment and a fine of AED 100,000. The second aspect relates to spreading false information related to Covid-19, disasters, or any crisis. If a person spreads false information related to these topics, they can face a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of AED 200,000. These penalties are significantly more severe than those for spreading false information during normal times.
Furthermore, the recent changes to the Online Security Law have introduced a new definition for the term ‘electronic robot’. It has been clearly stated that using such robots to share or re-share falsified information can make the person a legal offender. This offense can attract a penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of AED 100,000 or more. In addition to these penalties, the offending parties can also be banned from using social media or the internet permanently or temporarily. Their accounts can be closed, wholly or partially, and the court can place the offender under electronic surveillance and advise rehabilitation. It is important to note that these penalties apply to both individuals and entities. The UAE government is taking strict measures to combat the spread of false information online and to hold individuals and entities accountable for their actions.