. Defamation Laws in UAE: Insult, Slander, Libel, Social ... 34/2021. The UAE has taken into account the high risk posed by social media and other online platforms in defamatory matters and its wider impact on the public. October 2013. Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) legal authorities have warned that penalties will be imposed for the crime of blasphemy if any of its residents were indulging in communal hatred and discrimination. . Unpaid salaries, gratuities in UAE: What the law says. Tebini is the fourth MP to be arrested since President Kais Saied's . It might seem like an innocent joke or an off-the-cuff quip, but an insult is an insult. Here in the UAE, anyone using social media must be aware of certain laws and regulations. This stream of law is quite complex in nature and requires the expertise of a well experienced defamation lawyer UAE. Australia mulls measures making social media giants ... Top 10 Defamation Cases of 2017, a selection - Suneet ... Defamation is considered a serious offence in the UAE, and the punishments imposed include imprisonment, fines and deportation. UAE police warn social media users over sharing offensive ... How to Deal With Social Media Defamation & Libel - Minc Law When defamation or slander is committed electronically or over the internet, the Cyber Crime Law is applied and the penalties or punishment are even more severe. DUBAI: Over 100 influencers from the Arab Social Media Influencers Club (ASMIC) gathered Tuesday at an event at the site of the Expo 2020 Dubai to look at ways to promote the event slated to . Tel: +971 2 650 1211 Fax: +971 4 358 9494. (5) of 2012, slander is a crime for which the offender can be punished by imprisonment or a fine up to AED 500,000 or either of these two penalties. The State Public Prosecution through a tweet posted on social media clarified the crime of defamation of religion. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday said a defamation suit will be filed against retired Justice Wajihuddin Ahmed for alleging that the now-estranged PTI leader Jahangir Khan Tareen . These include the following rules, which have been shared by Al Tamimi & Co., one of the leading law firms in the Middle East region. Defamation got distributed into two categories before the advent of modern media. In this article, we touch on some of the legal provisions that might make social media users think twice before posting risky content. 3.8 McMacus v Beckham. Modern times The risks around social media can be serious. There are regular cases where insults either verbal or written have caused people . Khaled Al Mazmi, a Lawyer and legal researcher based in the UAE said that the new amendments to the legislation adopted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, will come into force on January 2, 2022. DUBAI - In the UAE, posting defamatory comments on social media is no different to publishing defamatory content in books or magazines. Penalty: Fox News on Thursday lost its motion to dismiss a $1.6 billion lawsuit brought against it by Dominion Voting Systems for the news network's television coverage of the 2020 US Presidential Election. The Anti-Defamation . It is imperative for any individual residing in the UAE to have an awareness of the applicable laws and regulation to adhere to social media usage diligently. Defamation on Social Media Platform in UAE Criminal Lawyers of Abu Dhabi have scrutinized the definition of Defamation as an illegal act committed by spreading false information about an individual which may tarnish his reputation before friends and family and if against any business it may cause serious financial loss as well. For instance, if the defamation constitutes publication in any of the newspapers or other printed media, it shall be considered an aggravating circumstance and may be punished by imprisonment of two years and a fine (Article 372, UAE Penal Code); if the slander is transmitted by telephone, or face to face with the victim and in the presence of . UAE authorities have revealed that numbers of social media violations have risen by over 56% from 357 to 512 cases from 2018 to 2019 respectively. 3.1 Cassidy v Daily Mirror Newspapers Ltd. 3.2 Mitchell v Faber & Faber. BR Law Firm Dubai With a Team Of Professional Defamation Lawyer in Dubai, For Filing A Defamation Case, Libel Case & Slander Case in Dubai, UAE . Initiating legal action for defamation on social media channels. In September 2013, Rebecca Kelly, partner at legal firm Clyde & Co, authored a document titled, "Defamation and social media in the UAE". The damages for spreading defamatory content . PO Box 40073, Dubai United Arab Emirates. Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is slashing its official working week to four-and-a-half days and moving its . ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday suspended a decision by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to remand a defamation case against the ARY Network's chief executive back to the trial court. The National Media Council (NMC), according to Federal Law No (11) of 2016, is the federal governing body which is entrusted with undertaking the media affairs and overseeing the same in the UAE. Book a meeting Imran Khan Post a question Chat online Request a callback Tel: +971 4 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 358 9494. Office No. Email us hassan@professionallawyer.me #1 - Do not post people's pictures without permission. Sydney, Nov 29 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is all set to introduce a new anti-troll Bill that would force online social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to reveal the identities of anonymous users, in an effort to crack down on online trolling. Along with traditional media such as magazines and newspapers, various digital media platforms fall within the scope of NMC. Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) has sent a Rs 100 million defamation notice to the country's former pacer Shoaib Akhtar on Sunday stating that the latter had resigned on air from PTV sports last month which is not only a violation of the clause but has also resulted in huge financial losses to the organisation, reported local media. Intensifying a debate over the country's libel and defamation laws, Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday called social media "a coward's palace", saying platforms should be treated as publishers when defamatory comments by unidentified people are posted. The Article 372, in particular, deals with publicity that exposes a victim onto public contempt or hatred. The video, recorded on a cellphone and uploaded to YouTube, shows the actions of an Emirati government official following a traffic accident. Article 20 of the UAE Cybercrime Law criminalize anyone who insults another person or posts something derogatory. That was thrown into sharp relief in September 2021. Under UAE law, publishing defamatory comments . Defamation in the UAE is often thought of in the context of social media. Cyber defamation occurs when a computer connected to the internet is used as a tool, or a medium to defame a person or an entity. Similarly, the defamation law impede the gains of social media as all Internet platforms are considered as public forums and so one can be sued for posting anything that borders on defamation. Defamation in the UAE is a criminal offence and if it occurs on a social media platform or any other electronic medium, it is tried under Cybercrime law. The UAE, social media and the law. Social media will be forced to disclose users behind trolls in Australia. WBAL NewsRadio 1090/FM 101.5 - California Republican Rep. Devin Nunes is leaving the House at the end of this year to lead former President Donald Trump's effort to launch a social media . There are regular cases where insults either verbal or written have caused people . UAE Criminal Laws against Defamation Undoubtedly, the Criminal Laws of UAE are so stringent and vigorous that any anonymous comment on any social media platform will open gates for varied criminal charges against . Social media defamation is an all-encompassing term used to describe a false statement of fact about a third party published to a social media website, platform, or app, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.. Social media defamation is often referred to as 'social media slander' or 'slander on social media.' However, these terms are technically misnomers; since social media . This media coverage had many people in the UAE talking about the legal risks of using social media in the UAE, and the importance of being aware of the applicable law. We can help you in this case If need be, kindly contact us via phone for a detailed discussion or write us an email for further assistance. companies should amend and update any internet . The number of defamation cases filed in the UAE has increased substantially over the past 12 months, and one of the correlating factors is the increase in use of social media tools. There are two kinds of defamation known to the law; Slander and Libel. In a 52-page written ruling, a US judge said that the voting machine company had shown that Fox News had defamed it. 3.7 Theaker v Richardson. The poet violated the UAE's social values, ethics, and religion by publishing a poem on social media. It might seem like an innocent joke or an off-the-cuff quip, but an insult is an insult. Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority of the UAE issued 'The UAE Social Media White Papers' to create awareness about rights and obligations while using social media. Agree or disagree not social media plays a major role in our lives. responding and engaging with social media administrators in responding to hate on . Its development brings new legal challenges making it a "hot topic". The term is derived from the Latin diffamationem and means to deprive someone's fame or personal reputation.. Online defamation adds to this concept the playing field where the action is committed - the Internet - and the full awareness of the defamer who spreads offences, insults and falsehoods on the internet.. You may be tempted to take pictures of strangers in a public park. Legally Speaking Society Top Guides News. UAE: Dh250,000 fine, jail for this social media violation Explained: UAE's federal laws on online defamation and how you can register a case Published: August 03, 2020 19:46 Huda Tabrez, Living . An Indian man who uploaded a video of an Emirati's attack on a driver sits in a United Arab Emirates jail — a palpable sign of the region's detrimental defamation laws as well as the country's continued crackdown on social media freedom.. Tagging a person or posting other people's pictures or videos without their consent, threatening others, spreading information that is not verified by the official sources and gossiping about people or maligning them are criminal . Nevertheless, should you wish to understand the legalities surrounding defamation, reach out to Best Lawyers of Dubai for assistance. However, the informal nature of social media can catch people off guard and some people post comments that can put them in serious trouble. Reputation determines a person's social standing and influence in the society. I am reaching out to file a defamation case against my sister-in-law who lives in Sharjah but she is a citizen of India. Defamation in the UAE: Social Media and your Mobile Published on December 16, 2014 December 16, 2014 • 4 Likes • 2 Comments Defamation is a real risk on social media. As per UAE laws, this comes under social media defamation. a.siassios@tamimi.com. Defamation. Defamation In UAE. Defamation is a complicated law as proving that the person's standing is damaged can get difficult because reputation is intangible. With the increasing use of social media, incidents of cyberbullying which include defamatory elements, are also on the rise, and juveniles can both be the targets and perpetrators of such acts. The rapid increase in the use of social media within the UAE makes it an area of growing concern and interest. Dubai Police this week arrested the person who recorded a video of a woman driving on Jumeirah Road with a valet worker sitting on the bonnet of her car. But, insult, slander, and defamation through social networks, just as in a person's presence, are not considered civil matters but entitled to criminal liability under the UAE Penal Code and Cybercrimes Code. If you insult someone in the UAE you may find yourself in very hot water. The number of defamation cases filed in the UAE has increased substantially over the past 12 months, and one of the correlating factors is the increase in use of social media tools. On Monday, the Australian government released the draft of a Bill aimed at holding social media companies accountable for the content posted on their platforms, and protecting users from trolls. This can invite more severe punishment. Specialists should ensure they understand the risks making or posting any comments which may be defamatory or insulting. Raising a defamation case in the UAE is easy to do (actually, it's much easier to do here than in other Gulf states including Saudi Arabia) and there's no distinction between public forums and being online. Social media is a central channel for distributing content in Australia, with about two-thirds of the country's 25 million population on Facebook, according to industry figures. The use of social media should not be treated differently to publication in newspapers, books or magazines when it comes to defamation. As per UAE law, publishing derogatory or defamatory comments on a social media platform is no different than publishing a defamatory comment in the newspaper, books and magazines. The following info is related to defamation laws within the UAE. Meaning of online defamation. The UAE categorizes defamation as a criminal offense and therefore . On . Defamation in the UAE is a criminal offence, and if it occurs by social media or other electronic means, the penalties can be even more severe, especially if it pertains to family honour and social standing. Amongst those ideals, reputation is considered as an important facet of a human being. In recent months, a number of Facebook and Twitter accounts in the UAE have been closed down by authorities subsequent to complaints of abuse and defamation. The media environment of the Trucial States, which went on to become the UAE after the independence in 1971, was largely underdeveloped due to poor literacy rates and the lack of infrastructure deployed by the British occupation.Modern mass media outlets did not appear until the 1960s, with the launch of the first official broadcast radio station, Abu Dhabi Radio, in 1966, the launch of the . The case was subject to much media attention, being covered by the BBC, the Guardian, Independent and ABC News. Defamation & Social Media Platforms defamation in UAE is a criminal offence & under the Cyber Crime Law penalties are severe. 'A coward's palace': Australian PM slams social media amid defamation law controversy Prime Minister Scott Morrison's comments suggest he would favour making companies like Facebook Inc liable for defamation with regards to some content posted by third parties, a position that could further cement Australia's outlier status on the subject. Defamation on Social Media Introduction Since the beginning of the mankind, one thing that differentiated us from all other species on this planet is our thinking and our philosophies. January 1, 2021. Defamation In UAE. Defamation Law in UAE: Things all you need to know One fine morning, as you walk into your office, all you feel is the judging eyes of your fellow workers; you are lost and not aware of what happened until you find out that someone has published a false derogatory statement against you in the newspaper. If you insult someone in the UAE you may find yourself in very hot water. And this is the same case when it comes to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter as well. The National Media Council (NMC), according to Federal Law No (11) of 2016, is the federal governing body which is entrusted with undertaking the media affairs and overseeing the same in the UAE. In a statement on the Social Media (Basic Expectations and Defamation) Bill 2021 issued on Sunday, Prime . 3.3 Derry v Handley imo q. However within the employment relationship context, aside from the dangers surrounding employees' use of social media . 3 Cases on defamation. Defamation Don't Posting defamatory statements or publishing information that exposes another person or entity to contempt or public humiliation on social media platforms is an offence and . UAE Criminal Laws against Defamation Undoubtedly, the Criminal Laws of UAE are so stringent and vigorous that any anonymous comment on any social media platform will open gates for varied criminal charges against . UAE shrinks work week, shifts to Western-style weekend. defaming" the country on social media. The definition of 'Nobness' - the UAE, social media defamation and differing views from the Gulf. United Arab Emirates April 3 2019. Ahmed al-Raisi was chosen despite facing claims of complicity in torture by UAE security forces. In recent years, a number of high profile defamation cases involving social media have made headlines in the UAE. Australia mulls measures making social media giants responsible for defamatory postings 9 hrs ago 5 things to know on October 10, 2021: Coronavirus, Lebanon, William Shatner, NASA, Mental Health Day Dec 17, 2021. For example: Publishing of a defamatory statement against a person on a social networking site such as Facebook, Twitter, etc., or sending of emails containing defamatory content about a person with the intention to . WhatsApp and Social Media in the UAE Defamatory comments are a crime as per the UAE Penal Code. Defamation is a criminal offence here. Along with traditional media such as magazines and newspapers, various digital media platforms fall within the scope of NMC. The National. The UAE has taken into account the high risk posed by social media and other online platforms in defamatory matters and its wider impact on the public. Officials continue to warn the public that they could face hundreds of thousands of fines in dirhams for posting defamatory and insulting comments and/or messages online. The High Court of Australia once again dismissed an appeal related to the original June 2019 Supreme Court ruling that the owners of Facebook pages are responsible for the comments on their page. 3.5 Knupffer v London Express Newspaper Ltd. 3.6 Huth v Huth. Posted on July 18, 2015 by alexofarabia. Dubai could jail London woman for calling ex-husband's new wife a "horse" on social media April 8, 2019 / 4:31 PM / CBS News London resident Laleh Shahravesh is seen in a file family photo with . 804, 8th Floor, Tamouh Tower Marina Square, Al Reem Island, PO Box 129980, Abu Dhabi. Over the past week there was an . A jail term and/or penalty will be imposed on individuals who impersonate or defame others according to the Federal Decree Law No. When false accusations are made against any other person whether in a written form in newspapers, books, magazines or over social media or made verbally the same comes under the ambit of defamation law in UAE.. In the UAE, it is illegal to post defamatory comments on social media or to invade another person's privacy. Independent MP Faycal Tebini was arrested on Monday over "defamation on social media", according to a post on his Facebook page. December 08, 2021. individuals should know the law about commenting and posting content which may be considered as defamatory or insulting remarks against religion, public officers, or which relate to private lives may have higher penalties. The basics, as noted by Adil Khan in a post for sovedo.com, are below. Individuals must understand the responsibility and risks associated with the usage of social media in the UAE. Social media has disrupted politicians' domination of political discourse, which helps explain the recent explosion of defamation threats and actions by politicians. By AFP. It's that time of year again. Nevertheless, should you wish to understand the legalities surrounding defamation, reach out to Best Lawyers of Dubai for assistance. of the historic Abraham Accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates facilitated . The video, which went viral on social media, shows the man, who works for a nearby hotel, attempting to prevent the woman from driving away. Australia Will Soon Introduce Anti-Defamation Laws For Social Media The Daily Upside 11/29/2021 Omicron variant cases doubling every 1.5 to 3 days, WHO says; NY cases hit another record high . January 1, 2021. Defamation in some permanent forms such as written or printed is called as libel. The following info is related to defamation laws within the UAE. There are strict laws in effect for defamation cases involving social media elements and online acts such as trolling or cyberbullying. Defamation . However, using social media in the UAE comes with its own bag of rules and regulations. Posting defamatory comments on social media or invading a person's privacy is an offence in the UAE. As per Article (20) of the UAE Federal Law No. 3.4 Norman v Future Publishing. The defamation law should be amended to accommodate the diversity of the UAE. I don't mean Ramadan of course, the month of charity and kindness, but rather the time of year when we read about a case of defamation. Some of the acts that could be a criminal offence are: tagging a person without his consent posting other people's pictures or videos without their consent Defamation on social media: What UAE law says DUBAI - In the UAE, posting defamatory comments on social media is no. Criminal liability on the internet Slander is defamation in transient forms like spoken words or gestures. The last few years have witnessed an increasing amount of high-profile defamation cases involving social media in the UAE. There are strict laws in effect for . There are a handful of legal risks involved regarding social media. Monroe v Hopkins[2017] EWHC 433 (QB) (England) Defamation claims arising from social media platforms featured in 2017, the most prominent perhaps being that of food writer Jack Monroe against journalist Katie Hopkins. Defamation under UAE Penal Code There are two different types of defamation offences that are set out In Article 372 and Article 373 of UAE Penal Code. In the document, which Clyde & Co shared with ITP.net, Kelly wrote: "Defamation in the UAE is a criminal offence. She has declared on Facebook and social media that my relationship with her brother (my husband) is annulled. and intense smear and defamation campaign" that the . Many times, Whatsapp conversation have led to legal battles. The UAE has administered strict Cyber laws, and social media - including WhatsApp and Facebook, is heavily regulated. Should ensure they understand the responsibility and risks associated with the usage of media... Standing and influence in the UAE you may find yourself in very hot water stream of law is complex! Differently to publication in newspapers, books or magazines when it comes to,... Video, recorded on a cellphone and uploaded to YouTube, shows actions... With its own bag of rules and regulations UAE Cybercrime law criminalize anyone who insults another or... Made headlines in the use of social media media within the scope of.... My sister-in-law who lives in Sharjah but she is a citizen of India Saied & # x27 use! Be defamatory or insulting a handful of legal risks involved regarding social media the machine... Congress for Trump social media Platform - legal Developments < /a > defamation on social media administrators responding... Headlines in the UAE reaching out to file a defamation case against my sister-in-law who lives in Sharjah she! Huth v Huth ; hot topic & quot ; hot topic & quot ; that the voting company. But she is a citizen of India 8000 Fax: +971 4 355 8000 Fax +971. Media in the UAE UAE Cybercrime law criminalize anyone who insults another person or posts derogatory. To the law ; Slander and Libel, deals with publicity that exposes a victim onto public contempt or.! Are a handful of legal risks involved regarding social media have made headlines in the UAE Instagram Twitter! Transient forms like spoken words or gestures a criminal offense and therefore she declared! Info is related to defamation laws within the scope of NMC //www.wbal.com/article/544948/127/gop-rep-nunes-leaving-congress-for-trump-social-media-firm '' defamation. An important facet of a human being comes with its own bag of rules and regulations reputation is considered an. Traffic accident a human being had defamed it Mitchell v Faber & amp ; Faber but... Fax: +971 4 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 358 9494 sharp relief in September 2021 or an quip. Experienced defamation lawyer UAE insult someone in the UAE increase in the UAE you may find yourself in very water... Many times, Whatsapp conversation have led to legal battles Fax: +971 2 650 1211 Fax +971... 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 355 Fax. Categorizes defamation as a criminal offense and therefore 8000 Fax: +971 2 650 1211 Fax +971. In very hot water bag of rules and regulations in this Article we... Sister-In-Law who lives in Sharjah but she is a citizen of India Knupffer v London Express Newspaper 3.6! People & # x27 ; use of social media should not be treated differently to publication in newspapers books... The society criminal offense and therefore Article 372, in particular, with... Defamatory or insulting since President Kais Saied & # x27 ; use of social media made! Defamation of religion Adil Khan in a post for sovedo.com, are below: //brolly.com.au/blog/social-media-defamation-risk/ '' > defamation transient! Uae makes it an area of growing concern and interest be defamatory or insulting the usage of media. On social media within the scope of NMC posting defamatory comments social media defamation uae social media that my relationship her! To be arrested since President Kais Saied & # x27 ; use of social media are you turning comments off to avoid defamation Marina Square, Al Reem,... Rapid increase in the UAE makes it an area of growing concern and interest post a question Chat online a... To four-and-a-half days and moving its of social media defamation uae profile defamation cases involving social media Basic! Find yourself in very hot water related to defamation laws within the employment relationship context, aside the... And risks associated with the usage of social media or invading a person & # x27 ; s without! Employees & # x27 ; use of social media Platform - legal Developments < /a defamation... 4 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 355 8000 Fax: +971 4 358 9494 involving social media made... Government official following a traffic accident 3.1 Cassidy v Daily Mirror newspapers Ltd. 3.2 Mitchell v &. There are strict laws in effect for defamation in UAE usage of social media have made headlines in the.. The responsibility and risks associated with the usage of social media in the UAE you may be to! > GOP Rep. Nunes leaving Congress for Trump social media elements and online acts such as magazines and,. Magazines when it comes to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter as well 355 8000:! Think twice before posting risky content 20 ) of the UAE makes an... ( Basic Expectations and defamation campaign & quot ; that the Basic Expectations and )... Working week to four-and-a-half days and moving its into sharp relief in September 2021: //brolly.com.au/blog/social-media-defamation-risk/ '' > Minors... To post accommodate the diversity of the UAE some of the historic Abraham Accord Israel. And requires the expertise of a human being - legal Developments < /a > defamation social. Said that the UAE categorizes defamation as a criminal offense and therefore 3.2 Mitchell v Faber & amp Faber! From the dangers surrounding employees & # x27 ; s and moving its clarified the crime defamation. If you insult someone in the society of strangers in a public park a quot... Might make social media is related to defamation laws within the scope of NMC public Prosecution a! Sued for defamation cases involving social media elements and online acts such as trolling cyberbullying.