UAE: Swearing on social media can get you jailed, fined up to Dh500,000

Picture for illustrative purposes only.

PHOTO BY ARCHIVE

UAE: Swearing on social media can get you jailed, fined up to Dh500,000

The UAE has very strict laws against slander or swearing and this extends to whatever you say on social media too, according to the UAE Public Prosecution.

The Public Prosecutor recently issued a warning that individuals caught swearing in online platforms face possible jail term and a fine of up to Dh500,000.

In a post, the public prosecutor said that the penalties for breaking the UAE’s federal decree law on e-crimes apply to swearing and slander when using social media and messaging channels.

“Swearing and slander using an information network shall be sentenced to imprisonment and/or fined a monetary penalty of not less than Dh250,000 and not more than Dh500,000”.

The offence also extends to “whoever swears at others or attributes thereto an incident that would make such other person subject to punishment or disdain by others using an information network, a means of technology or an information system.”

UAE public sector employees caught breaking this rule will face heavier punishments, the public prosecution said.

Anyone caught swearing at or slandering a person working for the government will also face “heavier punishment”. ICA/Expat Media

For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page

Share