UAE media official warns of jail, fines over social media violations

The United Arab Emirates has warned residents that misuse of social media platforms, including private WhatsApp groups, can lead to prosecution, imprisonment and removal of online content, according to remarks by a senior media official reported by Khaleej Times.

Speaking at a public session, UAE National Media Authority Secretary General Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi said the country’s media laws apply across all digital platforms and stressed that users remain legally accountable for content that harms public order, spreads misinformation or disrespects national and religious values.

Al Kaabi cited several real-life cases to illustrate how authorities have acted against online violations, ranging from fake news and privacy breaches to misuse of national symbols.

Key examples highlighted by UAE authorities:

• Religious offence case:
  Authorities acted against a man who filmed himself offering money to petrol station workers in exchange for reciting the Islamic declaration of faith. Officials said the video violated laws protecting religious beliefs and Islamic values.
• Filming police officers:
  In another case, a man recorded police officers while they were assisting him during a theft-related incident and continued filming despite repeated warnings. Al Kaabi said publishing footage of officers performing official duties without permission breaches UAE regulations.
• Misuse of Emirati national dress:
  The official warned against using the traditional Emirati kandura in content deemed disrespectful or mocking, saying the attire represents the country’s cultural identity and heritage.
• Using currency in advertisements:
  A flower shop was summoned by authorities after posting a Valentine’s Day promotion featuring bouquets stuffed with UAE currency notes. Although gifting money is not illegal, officials said the campaign commercialized and disrespected the symbolic value of the national currency. The promotional video was later removed.
• Privacy violations on social media:
  Al Kaabi said filming people without consent and uploading the footage online could amount to a criminal offence, even when the individuals are public figures or celebrities.
• Fake Covid-19 story:
  The media official recalled a widely circulated false report claiming that five members of a family had died from Covid-19. Investigations later found the family did not exist. Two people, including a television correspondent, were jailed for spreading fabricated information that caused public panic.
• False claims linked to security investigations:
  Al Kaabi also referred to a case involving suspects allegedly linked to an Iran-related cell in the UAE. Social media users incorrectly connected one suspect to a local company, prompting legal complaints and arrests over the spread of unverified information.

Separately, Al Kaabi said authorities had removed around 10,000 TikTok accounts accused of publishing AI-generated content and videos aimed at damaging the UAE’s image or spreading misleading narratives about Dubai and other emirates.

He also said the UAE would tighten age-classification enforcement for video games rather than impose blanket bans, adding that proceeds from age-restricted game sales would support child awareness programs through the UAE Child Council.

“The law applies to everyone and every platform,” Al Kaabi said, according to Khaleej Times, adding that the goal was to protect society and preserve national values rather than restrict freedoms.