Disclosing confidential information in the UAE is deemed a serious offense, punishable by a substantial fine of no less than Dh150,000. The Abu Dhabi Judicial Authority (ADJD) recently clarified key aspects of the country’s anti-rumors and cybercrime law, specifically emphasizing Article 44 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, designed to safeguard individuals’ privacy.
In an era where smart technologies are easily accessible, the UAE law prioritizes the protection of residents’ personal space and boundaries. The ADJD, in its awareness campaign, underscores that recording or sharing conversations, capturing and storing images of others without their explicit consent is strictly prohibited.
The UAE adopts a zero-tolerance stance on privacy breaches, encompassing various offenses that could result in fines ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000 and/or a minimum six-month jail term. These offenses include:
- Sharing genuine news, images, comments, or private information about an individual without their consent.
- Recording, broadcasting, or revealing conversations and audio-visual materials about an individual.
- Taking unauthorized photos of the injured, deceased, or accident victims and publishing them without consent.
- Tracking an individual’s GPS location.
The ADJD emphasizes that penalties will be heightened to a minimum of one year in jail and/or fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 if voice notes, photos, or scenes are manipulated to defame or offend another person. This stringent legal framework underscores the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding privacy and deterring activities that compromise individuals’ personal information and dignity.