UAE: Penalties for privacy infringement on the internet explained

The UAE Public Prosecution (PP) explained today, through a post on its social media accounts, the penalties for the crime of divulgence of secrets and the infringement of privacy on the internet.

The Public Prosecution noted that, according to Article No.44 of the Federal Decree-Law No.34 for 2021 on combatting e-crimes and rumours,

whoever uses an information network, and electronic information system, or a means of information technology to infringe the privacy of a person or the sanctity of the private or family life of individuals without their consent and in other than the legally permitted cases, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six month, and/or be fined of between AED150,000 and AED500,000.

Those who commit the following actions will receive the same penalties:

1. Record, broadcast or disclose conversations, calls or audiovisual materials

2. Take photos of others without consent or copy, transfer, disclose or save them

3. Publish news, photos, scenes, comments or information with the aim of harming people

4. Take photos of injuries, deaths or accidents or disaster victims without permission

5. Trace or observe the geographic locations of others and disclose them Those using the internet or other means of IT to make any modifications or reprocess a registration or photo with intent to defame or offend another person will be punished by imprisonment for a period of no less than one year and fined between AED250,000 and AED500,000, or either of these two penalties.

These posts are part of the Public Prosecution's continuous efforts to promote legal culture among members of the community and increase their awareness about the latest legislations in the country.

News Source: Emirates News Agency