Legal Consequences Await Fake News, Privacy Breaches and Insults to UAE Symbols, Warns Media Chief

The Secretary-General of the UAE National Media Office has issued a strong warning over irresponsible social media use, stressing that violations committed online — even within private WhatsApp groups — can lead to prosecution, imprisonment and account removals under UAE law.

Speaking during a recent address, Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi said all digital platforms are subject to the country’s media regulations and outlined several real-life cases to demonstrate how authorities deal with content considered harmful to public order, national identity and social values.

Religious Beliefs and Offensive Content

Among the cases cited was a widely circulated video showing a man offering money to petrol station workers in exchange for reciting the Islamic declaration of faith. Al Kaabi said the clip violated laws protecting religious beliefs and was treated as an offence against Islamic values.

Filming Police Officers Without Permission

He also referred to a case involving a man who filmed police officers while they were assisting him following a theft incident. Despite repeated requests to stop recording, the individual continued filming and later shared the footage online. Al Kaabi said filming law enforcement personnel during official duties without permission breaches UAE regulations.

 

Protecting Emirati Identity and Culture

On cultural identity, he warned against the misuse of the Emirati kandura in content that mocks or diminishes its symbolic value. He said the national dress represents Emirati heritage and any disrespectful portrayal — whether for satire, advertising or entertainment — could invite legal action.

Currency Misuse in Advertisements

Another example involved a flower shop that promoted expensive Valentine’s Day bouquets containing UAE currency notes. While gifting money itself was not unlawful, authorities objected to the commercial presentation of the currency in a manner deemed disrespectful to its national significance. The promotional video was removed and the business received an official warning.

Privacy Violations on Social Media

Al Kaabi also highlighted privacy violations linked to filming individuals in public without consent and publishing the footage online. He stressed that celebrities and public figures are equally protected under privacy laws when recording or sharing images is inappropriate or unauthorised.

Covid-19 Fake News Case

Addressing misinformation, he recalled a fabricated Covid-19 story falsely claiming that five members of one family had died from the virus. The report spread widely before investigations confirmed that the family did not exist. Two individuals, including a television correspondent, were later jailed for spreading false information.

False Claims in Security-related Cases

He further cited a case linked to the arrest of an alleged Iran-connected cell in the UAE. After names of suspects became public, social media users began circulating unverified claims linking one suspect to a UAE company. The company later filed a complaint after the information proved false, resulting in arrests for spreading misinformation tied to a security case.

TikTok Crackdown and AI-generated Content

Al Kaabi also revealed that authorities had removed around 10,000 TikTok accounts accused of publishing AI-generated videos and other content aimed at damaging the UAE’s image, spreading false narratives and promoting harmful ideologies.

Gaming Regulations and Age Ratings

On gaming regulations, he said the UAE would increasingly focus on enforcing age classifications instead of outright bans on certain titles. Revenue generated from age-restricted game sales, he added, would support awareness programmes under the UAE Child Council.

Message on Digital Accountability

Throughout his remarks, Al Kaabi maintained that UAE media laws are designed to safeguard society, national values and responsible public discourse across all forms of media and digital communication.

 

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