UAE Law: Social Media do’s and don’ts
The following tips were highlighted in a TRA whitepaper from 2014.
In 2014, the UAE’s Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) issued a whitepaper on the ‘dos and don’ts’ on social media usage, including Facebook which currently has 4.8 million users in the UAE of which 69 per cent are male.
The TRA warns:
- Do not post other people’s pictures or videos without consent: Don’t post without asking, whether it’s a friend or a photographer. It could be breach of privacy or copyright.
- Do not make threats: Posts or comments that are abusive or threatening to other people can land you in court.
- Do not post vulgar pictures or of alcohol: Non-Muslims can drink, but keep it under control if pictures are inappropriate. Drunken photos that offend Islamic values or morals of the UAE can lead to legal trouble. Do not post pornographic or material that contains nudity.
- Do not tag anyone without consent: TRA warns that tagging without permission can be a breach of defamation and privacy laws, both of which can carry hefty fines and even jail time.
- Do not insult Islam: The TRA warns against offending Islamic morals and values.
- Do not gossip: People could face fines of up to Dh1 million if they spread false information.
- Do not bully or harass: Users must not post content which includes hate speech, incites violence or which is threatening or contains graphic or gratuitous violence.
