United Arab Emirates · Iran · Wired
When Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates began earlier this year
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For many residents, the reaction was one of surprise: How could a screenshot, forwarded video, or social media post become a criminal matter?
Key facts
- In normal circumstances, the minimum penalty is one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 UAE dirhams
- During epidemics, crises, emergencies, or disasters, those figures double to a minimum of two years and 200,000 UAE dirhams
- UAE law Article 52 criminalizes using the internet to spread false news, misleading rumors, or content contrary to official announcements, as well as material that could disturb public peace, spread
- When Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates began earlier this year, cybercrime laws also came into focus as the conflict played out in the sky—and online
Summary
When Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates began earlier this year, cybercrime laws also came into focus as the conflict played out in the sky—and online. During ordinary times, many forms of online misconduct can carry penalties under the UAE’s cybercrime laws. In normal circumstances, the minimum penalty is one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 UAE dirhams. Legal consultant Ahmed Elnaggar, managing partner of Elnaggar & Partners, says the rationale for arrests related to online activity is consistent with that framework.