A jail term and/or penalty will be imposed on individuals who impersonate or defame others according to the Federal Decree Law No. 34/2021.

Khaled Al Mazmi, a Lawyer and legal researcher based in the UAE said that the new amendments to the legislation adopted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, will come into force on January 2, 2022.

The Personal Data Protection Law in the UAE constitutes an integrated framework to ensure the confidentiality of information and protect privacy by providing sound governance for optimal data management and protection. The law defines the general frameworks for dealing with personal data related to individuals, how such data is collected, processed, stored and the best means to protect it.

He explained that Federal Decree No. 34 of 2021 will work to combat rumors and cybercrime. Article 11 of the Decree refers to creating fake electronic channels represented by e-mail and social networking accounts belonging to others. The new update that will come into force on January 2 prescribes penalty for those who commit these behaviors and impersonate others.

An imprisonment term of one month to three years and a fine of not less than Dh50,000 and not more than Dh200,000 would be slapped on an individual who impersonates or defames others.

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had approved the project to develop federal legislation and laws in the Emirates (40 laws) with the aim of enhancing the economic environment and the investment and commercial infrastructure in the country, supporting the security and stability of society, and preserving the rights of individuals and institutions.