Countering Rumors & Cybercrimes
Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes in the UAE is a comprehensive legal framework designed to address the misuse and abuse of online technologies. It came into effect on January 2, 20221.
Stay safe and secure online with the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes. This robust legal framework, effective from January 2, 2022, is designed to combat the misuse and abuse of online technologies. It aims to protect you from cybercrimes, safeguard your privacy, and prevent the spread of harmful rumours and fake news. By enforcing strict penalties for cyberbullying, harassment, and unauthorized data sharing, this law ensures a safer digital environment for everyone. Embrace peace of mind knowing that your online world is protected by one of the most comprehensive cybercrime laws in the region. Stay informed, stay protected, and enjoy a safer online experience in the UAE
Protect Your Online World: UAE’s Law Against Cybercrimes and Rumors
Key Aspects of the Law:
Protection Against Cybercrimes:
The law aims to protect government websites and databases from hacking, tampering, and attacks1.
It addresses electronic fraud, privacy violations, and the dissemination of false information1.
Combatting Rumors and Fake News:
The law targets the spread of rumors and fake news that could harm the interests and security of the UAE1.
Offenses and Penalties:
Creating or using electronic sites or IT means for illegal activities such as hacking, spreading false information, or tampering with data is punishable1.
Other offenses include falsifying electronic documents, invading privacy, tampering with medical data, and e-begging1.
Content Regulations:
The law also covers the creation and distribution of illegal content, promoting human trafficking, and raising funds without a license1.
It includes penalties for failing to comply with media content standards and for incitement of debauchery using IT networks1.
This law is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to enhance cyber safety and digital security, ensuring a safer online environment for its residents2.
If you have any specific questions about the law or need more details, feel free to ask!
How does this law impact social media users?
Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 has several implications for social media users in the UAE:
Key Impacts:
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Content Sharing:
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Users must be cautious about sharing information. Spreading false news, rumors, or any content that could harm the country’s interests or security is strictly prohibited.
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Privacy:
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The law protects individuals’ privacy. Unauthorized sharing of personal information, photos, or videos without consent can lead to severe penalties.
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Cyberbullying and Harassment:
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Acts of cyberbullying, harassment, or defamation on social media are punishable under this law.
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Illegal Activities:
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Promoting or engaging in illegal activities, such as human trafficking or fundraising without a license, is forbidden.
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Respect for Cultural and Social Norms:
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Users must adhere to the UAE’s cultural and social norms. Content that incites debauchery or violates public morals is not allowed.
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Penalties:
Violations can result in hefty fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the offense.
This law encourages responsible and respectful use of social media, ensuring a safer online environment for everyone.
Read articles of this law
Article (6) Infringement of Personal Data and Information
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Whoever acquires, possesses, modifies, destroys, reveals, leaks, cancels, deletes, copies, disseminates, or re-disseminates any personal electronic data or information using the information technology or any ITE without permission shall be punished with imprisonment for at least (6) six months and/ or a fine of not less than (AED 20,000) twenty thousand dirhams or more than (AED 100,000) one hundred thousand dirhams.
2. If the data or information aforementioned in Clause (1) of this Article are related to examinations, diagnosis, medication, healthcare, medical records, bank accounts, or e-payment information and data, this shall be deemed an aggravating circumstance.
3. Whoever receives, keeps, or stores the data and information referred to in Clauses (1) and (2) of this Article, or accepts to handle or use them despite knowledge of the illegality of acquiring them shall be punished with imprisonment and/ or a fine.
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Article (7) Infringement of Government Data and Information
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Whoever acquires, possesses, modifies, destroys, reveals, leaks, cancels, deletes, copies, disseminates, or re-disseminates any government confidential data or information without permission shall be punished with temporary imprisonment for at least (7) seven years and a fine of not less than (AED 500,000) five hundred thousand dirhams or more than (AED 3,000,000) three million dirhams.
2. If the acts stipulated in Clause (1) of this Article cause harms to the UAE, or results in loss of confidentiality of the operation of electronic systems and software pertaining to military and security facilities and concerning the communication and transmission of confidential information, the penalty shall be temporary imprisonment for at least (10) ten years and a fine of not less than (AED 500,000) five hundred thousand dirhams or more than (AED 5,000,000) five million dirhams.
3. Whoever receives, keeps, or stores the data and information referred to in Clause (1) of this Article, or accepts to deal with or use them despite knowledge of the illegality of acquiring them shall be punished with temporary imprisonment.
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Other articles:-
Article (43) Defamation and Slander
Whoever uses an information network, ITE, or an information system and insults another or attributes a quality to him that would make that person subject to punishment or contempt by third parties shall be punished with imprisonment and/ or a fine of not less than (AED 250,000) two hundred fifty thousand dirhams or more than (AED 500,000) five hundred thousand dirhams.
In the event that any of the offences abovementioned in Para. (I) of this Article is committed against a public official or a person entrusted with a public service during or because of performance of his work, that shall be deemed an aggravating circumstance of the crime.
Article (44) Revealing Secrets and Invasion of Privacy
Whoever uses an information network, an IS, or any ITE with the intention of invading the privacy or sanctity of private or familial life of someone without his consent in cases other than those authorized by law through committing any of the following actions shall be punished with imprisonment for at least (6) six months and/ or a fine of not less than (AED 150,000) one hundred fifty thousand dirhams or more than (AED 500,000) fiver hundred thousand dirhams:
1. Eavesdropping, intercepting, recording, transmitting, broadcasting, or revealing conversations, communications or audio or visual materials.
2. Taking photos of third parties in any public or private place, or preparing, transferring, disclosing, copying or keeping electronic photos.
3. Publishing news, electronic photos, images, scenes, comments, data or information, even if it is true and genuine, with intention of harming the person.
4. Taking, transmitting, or publishing photos of the injured, the dead, or the victims of accidents or disasters without permission or consent of the parties concerned.
5. Tracking, monitoring, revealing, transmitting, disclosing, copying or keeping the geographic location data of third parties.
Moreover, whoever uses an IS or ITE to modify or process any record, photo or scene with the intention of defaming or insulting another person shall be punished with imprisonment for at least one year and/ or a fine of not less than (AED 250,000) two hundred fifty thousand dirhams or more than (AED 500,000) five hundred thousand dirhams.
Article (45) Disclosure of Confidential Information at Work
Whoever discloses any confidential information obtained at or because of his work or by virtue of his job or profession using one of the ITE without being authorized to disclose it, or without permission from the person concerned to disclose or use the secret shall be punished with imprisonment for at least (6) six months and/ or a fine of not less than (AED 200,000) two hundred thousand dirhams or more than (AED 1,000,000) one million dirhams.
If the offender uses said information to gain benefits for himself or for third parties, this shall be deemed an aggravating circumstance.
For more information,
The best contract lawyers
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UAE Ministry of Justice
https://www.moj.gov.ae
