Up to Dhs500,000 fine for privacy breach on internet
ABU DHABI: The UAE Public Prosecution (PP) explained on Monday, 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 combating e-crimes and rumours, whoever uses an information network, and electronic information system, or a means of information technology to infringe on 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 permited cases, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than six month, and/or be fined of between Dhs150,000 and Dhs500,000.
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 Dhs250,000 and Dhs500,000, 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.
Meanwhile, as part of its continuous efforts to promote the dissemination of legal awareness among all segments of society, and in coordination with Majalis of Abu Dhabi at the Presidency Court, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, organised two lectures on “cybercrime and its risks to society,” to ensure the protection and safety of society from crimes using modern technologies, especially through the widespread use of social media.
The lectures were held at Falaj Hazaa Majlis and Al Tawiya Majlis in Al Ain. They were part of the “Our Majlis” initiative launched by the Judicial Department in implementation of the directives of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court, and Head of the Judicial Department in Abu Dhabi, to promote the dissemination of legal culture among members of society to ensure security and stability.