Minor WhatsApp Typing Error Lands Man in Court Over Alleged Online Insult
Sharjah court postpones hearing to give both parties time to settle dispute stemming from a message sent during a vehicle sale conversation.
Staff WriterMar 6, 2026, 10:56 AMA minor typing error during a WhatsApp conversation has led to an Arab man appearing before the Sharjah Misdemeanour Court on charges of electronic insult, illustrating how even brief digital exchanges can escalate into legal disputes in the UAE.
According to court records, the case was initiated after a complainant, identified as B.F., alleged that the defendant insulted him through messages sent on WhatsApp. The complainant subsequently filed an official report, prompting authorities to open a case and summon the defendant to court.
During the hearing, the defendant denied the accusation, stating that he had no prior acquaintance with the complainant. He explained that their communication began through a vehicle-sales website and that they had never met in person, with all interactions limited to WhatsApp messages.
The defendant told the court that the word cited in the complaint was not intended as an insult but was the result of a typographical error while typing the message. He also asked the court to grant him time to reach an amicable settlement with the complainant.
The Sharjah Misdemeanour Court agreed to adjourn the case to give both parties an opportunity to reconcile before further proceedings take place.
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