Dubai Police warn fake reviews and defamatory posts can lead to arrest

Dubai Police warned on Tuesday that online criticism can cross legal boundaries when used to damage a person’s or business’s reputation, Khaleej Times reported.

Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Section, spoke on the Dubai Police Podcast after a group was arrested over false Google Maps reviews.

When does online criticism become a crime in Dubai?

Online criticism becomes a legal issue when it shifts from an opinion to an insult or defamation of another person. People are free to share views, but they cannot use digital platforms to harm the reputation or interests of others. Offenders can face legal accountability.

What happened in the fake Google Maps reviews case?

A group of people were arrested for posting false negative reviews about a company on Google Maps. The company’s management filed a complaint after noticing a series of reviews that it said were hurting its business.

Investigations found that several commercial shops allegedly formed groups to post false comments about the company. Yasser said this caused financial losses.

Dubai Police formed a team to investigate the accounts and identify the users behind them. The suspects were arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution. The case shows that online comments can have consequences beyond the digital space.

Can criticism of a business lead to legal action?

The case shows the difference between an honest review and deliberately false comments meant to cause harm. According to Yasser, those involved had posted comments about the company without visiting its premises.

He urged users to think carefully about what they publish and consider the impact on the people or businesses targeted. He also asked residents to respect the rights of others and avoid content that could lead to legal action.

Can Dubai Police trace fake accounts?

Yasser cautioned against assuming that fake accounts offer protection. Dubai Police officers are trained to investigate such accounts and gather information that can help identify the people behind them.

Cybercrimes can include insults, threats, spreading rumors, electronic fraud and hacking social media accounts.

Can you face legal action for sharing rumors online?

Legal accountability may also extend to people who reshare rumors, not just those who first publish them, Yasser warned. He urged the public to verify information before circulating it and to rely on official authorities and trusted sources.

Even announcements first published by government authorities can become outdated when rules or circumstances change. Resharing old information without checking if it is still relevant could cause problems, he said.

During crises and emergencies, he advised residents to follow official instructions. They should avoid circulating unverified images or videos that could fuel rumors or undermine community security.

For guidance on emerging fraud methods and digital threats, residents can visit Dubai Police’s eCrime Hub, an awareness platform offering information and advice on online safety.