Rising Tide of Cybercrime: How Your Social Media Comments Can Lead to Legal Trouble in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is seeing a significant rise in legal action against individuals for their online comments, not just their main posts. A new directive from authorities across the country highlights that what you type in a reply section or a live stream chat is just as legally binding as a full-fledged post.

 

This proactive stance is a direct response to the growing number of cases where social media users are facing prosecution for online insults, defamation, and abuse.

 

A New Perspective on Digital Accountability

"The keyboard warriors of today are learning a harsh lesson: every keystroke leaves a digital footprint," said Sunil Ambalavelil, Chairman of Kaden Borris. "The legal framework here is adapting to the realities of our hyper-connected world. What might seem like a fleeting comment can, and often does, result in serious legal consequences."

 

"We've seen a shift in the nature of these offenses," noted Ambalavelil. "The majority of new cases are stemming from aggressive and defamatory comments. People mistakenly believe that the anonymity of a comment section provides them with a shield, but that's a dangerous and costly misconception. The message is clear: whether it’s a written reply, a video, or an audio clip, the law applies to all forms of digital communication."

 

The Severity of the Law

"The law is unequivocal," stated Ambalavelil. "Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, amended by Law No. 5 of 2024, outlines strict penalties for online insults or defamation, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. These penalties can be more severe when the abuse targets public officials or is published through widely followed accounts."

 

Ambalavelil further elaborated on the legal statutes: "According to Article 43 of the UAE’s cybercrime law, any person who insults another online or attributes an act that harms their dignity can face jail time or fines. Additionally, Article 426 of the Penal Code provides penalties for public insults, even without a specific accusation, including up to one year in jail or fines of up to Dh20,000, which can increase to two years or Dh50,000 in aggravated cases."

 

A Final Warning on Online Conduct

Authorities across the UAE are now actively urging users to think twice before commenting on any form of content. The message is clear: every reply -- whether to a video, text, or live broadcast -- leaves a permanent digital footprint for which the user is legally accountable. "If you disagree, scroll past or report it through proper channels," Ambalavelil advised. "But never respond with abuse. The digital space is not a lawless frontier; it is an extension of our physical society, and online respect is not optional -- it’s the law."

 

 

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