UAE Cybercrime Laws Make Sharing Unverified Online Content Risky

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:23:00 +0200

In the United Arab Emirates, sharing online content such as screenshots, videos, or social media posts can carry serious legal consequences. Existing cybercrime laws, particularly Article 52, criminalize spreading false news, misleading rumors, or any content that could disturb public peace or harm public order. Normally, violations carry a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 UAE dirhams, but during emergencies, crises, or disasters, these penalties double. The recent Iran-UAE conflict has heightened scrutiny, leading to arrests for sharing misleading videos, AI-generated clips, and other material deemed harmful to public order. Legal experts emphasize that responsibility extends beyond the original content creator—forwarding or redistributing information also constitutes publication and can result in the same legal consequences. Residents, tourists, and anyone using digital platforms must exercise caution, as even private communications can become legally regulated onc