UAE Law on Unauthorised Photo Sharing: Criminal Liability, Privacy Breaches and Compensation Rights

The unauthorised taking or use of a person’s photograph is treated seriously under UAE law, particularly where it results in a violation of privacy or commercial exploitation without consent. Recent court rulings reaffirm that victims of such acts are entitled not only to criminal protection but also to seek civil compensation for the harm suffered.

Where a criminal court has issued a final verdict confirming that a person’s privacy was violated -- for example, by photographing an individual without permission and using the image for advertising or promotional purposes -- that judgment carries significant legal weight in subsequent civil proceedings. The criminal conviction establishes the unlawful act itself, as well as the responsibility of the offender, removing the need for the victim to re-prove the violation in a civil claim.

Under UAE law, civil compensation is assessed based on three key elements: the wrongful act, the damage suffered, and the direct causal link between the two. Once a criminal verdict confirms a privacy breach, these elements are generally considered proven. This allows the affected individual to pursue compensation for both material and moral harm, including emotional distress, reputational damage, and any financial losses arising from the misuse of the image.

Importantly, UAE legislation does not impose a fixed amount or maximum ceiling on compensation claims in such cases. Instead, the claimant has the right to request an amount they believe reflects the harm endured. The court retains full discretion to determine the final compensation, based on the circumstances of each case and the evidence submitted.

The legal framework governing compensation is rooted in the Civil Transactions Law, which provides that compensation must correspond to the actual damage suffered. This includes not only direct harm but also loss of profit, provided that such loss is a natural and foreseeable consequence of the wrongful act. Courts will evaluate factors such as the nature of the privacy violation, the extent of dissemination of the image, the purpose for which it was used, and the impact on the victim’s personal or professional life.

To strengthen a compensation claim, victims are advised to submit all relevant supporting documents, including the criminal judgment, proof of unauthorised use, evidence of financial loss if applicable, and any material demonstrating moral or reputational harm. Each case is assessed individually, ensuring that compensation reflects both the gravity of the violation and its real-world consequences.

In practice, these principles underline the UAE’s firm stance on protecting personal privacy and provide clear legal recourse for individuals whose images are misused without consent, particularly in commercial or advertising contexts.

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