Cyber crime law in UAE – As the world becomes increasingly digitized, cybercrime has become a growing concern for governments and organizations throughout the world. 

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is no exception, Cybercrimes including insulting and defamation through social media, have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Cyber crime legislation in the UAE has been put in place to combat such crimes and to ensure that individuals who engage in them are held accountable for their actions. 

In this post, Khairallah’s best lawyers will explore the UAE cybercrime law and how it is assisting in combating cybercrime in UAE, and the importance of upholding these laws in the UAE.

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what is Cyber crime in UAE | New cyber crime Law UAE

Cyber crimes in Dubai refer to any illegal activities that are committed using electronic devices, such as computers, smartphones, and the internet. These crimes can take many forms, including hacking, fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying. 

One of the most common types of UAE cyber crimes is insulting and defamation through social media. This occurs when an individual uses social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, to make false or damaging statements or slander about another person or group.

The UAE Cyber crime Law was enacted in 2012 to address cybercrimes committed within the country. The law defines cybercrime as any unlawful act committed using a computer or other electronic communication technology.

UAE cyber law provides for severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for those found guilty of committing cybercrime and empowers UAE authorities to seize and confiscate any devices used to commit cybercrimes, such as computers and smartphones, this measure aims to prevent further cybercrimes in Dubai and gather evidence for prosecution.

In addition to the UAE cybercrime law, the country has also enacted other laws and regulations to enhance cybersecurity. For example, the UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Combating Cybercrimes criminalizes the use of information technology to distribute pornographic content, while the UAE Federal Law No. 12 of 2016 on the Regulation of Cryptographic Key Management Systems regulates the use of encryption technology in the country.

The UAE government has also launched several initiatives to raise awareness about cybersecurity among the public and private sectors. 

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What is Social media defamation law in UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has several laws related to cybercrime, including those related to social media defamation uae. Defamation is a criminal offense, and the UAE cybercrime laws apply to defamatory statements made online or on social media platforms.

Under Cyber crime UAE Law, anyone who publishes or circulates defamatory statements or rumors about an individual or organization can be punished with imprisonment and/or a fine. 

The penalty for defamation can vary depending on the severity of the offense, and penalties can be increased if the defamatory statement is made against a public official or government institution.

The UAE’s cybercrime laws also include provisions related to the misuse of technology to harm others, including cyberstalking and cyberbullying. Individuals who engage in such activities can face imprisonment and/or a fine.

It is important to note that the UAE takes cybercrime very seriously, and individuals should be careful when using social media to ensure that they do not inadvertently violate any laws related to defamation or other types of cybercrime.

What is the punishment for cybercrime in Dubai?

The United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, has strict laws regarding cybercrime, including those committed through social media. Penalties for cybercrime in Dubai can range from fines to imprisonment and deportation.

cyber crime punishment in uae will depend on the nature and severity of the offense. Some examples of cybercrimes in Dubai include:

Cyberbullying or online harassment: This can be punished with fines up to AED 500,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years.

1. Hacking or unauthorized access to computer systems: This can be punished with fines up to AED 3,000,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
2. Fraud or identity theft: This can be punished with fines up to AED 1,000,000 and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
3. Spreading false information: This can be punished with fines up to AED 1,000,000 and imprisonment for up to 3 years.
4.  any person who insults others abuses their reputation, or slanders them by using social media will be penalized by imprisonment or a fine of not less than AED 250,000 and not more than AED 500,000.

It’s worth noting that the UAE has also recently enacted a new cybercrime law (Federal Law No. 2 of 2021) that includes additional provisions to combat cyber crimes, including those committed through social media. The law also includes provisions for the seizure and confiscation of equipment and devices used in the commission of cybercrimes.

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Examples of social media defamation | social media defamation cases

Here are some examples of defamation on social media in UAE:

1- False accusations of financial fraud

 Accusing a person or a business of financial fraud on social media without evidence is considered defamation in Dubai. Posting such accusations can lead to a criminal case against the person responsible or the post.

2- Sharing fake news

Sharing false news or rumors on social media can also be considered defamation in Dubai. The spread of fake news can harm a person’s reputation or business, leading to legal action.

3- Posting offensive comments

posting offensive comments about a person’s race, religion, or gender on social media can lead to defamation charges in Dubai. It is essential to ensure that social media posts do not contain any offensive language.

4- Defaming a public figure

Defaming a public figure, such as a government official or a public servant, on social media is considered a serious offense in Dubai. Any derogatory comment made against a public figure can lead to legal action.

5- Sharing private information

Sharing private information about a person or a business on social media without their consent is considered defamation in Dubai. This can include sharing personal or confidential data such as bank details or medical records.

It is important to note that the laws on social media defamation in Dubai are strict, and any person found guilty of defaming another person or business can face legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

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How to report cybercrime in UAE 

You can report online cybercrimes using the following methods:

• the eCrime website
• Aman service– Abu Dhabi Police
• Dubai Police’s website
• the ‘My Safe Society’ app was launched by the UAE’s federal Public prosecution (the app is available on iTunes)

FAQ about cyber crime law in UAE

1- Is cybercrime illegal in Dubai?

The law defines offenses and penalties for anyone who sets up or uses an electronic site or any information technology means for hacking, attacking, or tampering with government information systems and data, disseminating false information, or disseminating information that is harmful to the UAE’s interests and security.

2- Does the cyber crime law in UAE apply to non-UAE citizens?

A: Yes, the UAE cyber crime law applies to everyone within the UAE, regardless of their nationality. Non-citizens who commit cyber crimes in the UAE may face additional penalties such as deportation.

Conclusion 

cybercrime remains a significant challenge in the UAE and globally. Cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics and techniques, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to keep up. 

Therefore, it is essential to continuously update and strengthen cybersecurity laws and regulations and invest in cybersecurity infrastructure and human resources. 

For more information, you can contact our best lawyers in dubai to provide you with exceptional services.

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