UAE: Father Ordered to Pay Dh3,000 After Son Threatens Man Online

A civil court in Al Ain has ordered the father of a minor to pay Dh3,000 in compensation after the minor threatened a man on Snapchat, causing emotional distress. The ruling highlights the importance of parental responsibility in online cases, particularly in instances of defamation and threats made via social media platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram.

Court's Decision and Compensation

The plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the father of the minor, seeking Dh50,000 in damages for harm caused by threatening messages sent on Snapchat. However, the court awarded a lower compensation of Dh3,000 to the plaintiff for the emotional and moral harm caused by the threatening messages.

The court’s decision was based on the UAE’s Code of Civil Transactions, which allows victims of unlawful acts to claim compensation for damages caused by online defamation and threats.

Legal Experts Discuss Parental Liability

The ruling underscores the accountability of parents and guardians for the actions of their minor children, especially in cases involving cybercrimes. Legal experts emphasized that the UAE's cybercrime laws hold parents liable for the online misconduct of their children.

Cybercrime Legislation and Penalties

Under the UAE's Cybercrime Law (Federal Law No. 5 of 2020), threats and blackmail via electronic means, such as social media platforms, are serious offenses. Article 42 specifies that even implicit threats, like in this case, can lead to substantial penalties, including fines between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000, along with imprisonment.

Reporting Cyber Abuse in the UAE

Victims of online harassment or cyber abuse can report incidents to authorities through platforms like Dubai Police's eCrime service, the Ministry of Interior's Cybercrime Reporting Portal, or hotlines such as 999.

Rising Trend of Online Misconduct

As social media platforms like Snapchat, WhatsApp, and Instagram become more integral to daily life, legal analysts note an increase in cases of defamation, threats, and extortion. Both civil and criminal courts in the UAE are actively addressing these issues, emphasizing the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that they receive compensation for the harm caused by online misconduct.

The case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of online defamation and cyber threats and the role of parents in supervising their children's online activities.

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