People of all ages are becoming victims of cyberbullying, which has grown to be a serious issue all around the world. Cyberbullying takes many forms, from disseminating false information to utilizing victims’ personal information to malign them. Since victims are frequently unable to take any action against the offenders due to the exploitation of personal information, this leaves them more vulnerable.
Body Content: Despite strict laws and regulations against cyberbullying and checks and balances on the dissemination of information through the internet, the citizens of Dubai are not safe from cyberbullying. Being bullied can make you feel vulnerable, but there are options you can utilize to protect yourself and seek help. The most important thing to do is to look for a law consultant in dubai to explore the legal options against the perpetrators.
In this digital age, all it takes is one CLICK to wreck someone’s life. One of the few widely used social media sites for sharing images, messages, and videos is Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Everyone may now connect virtually thanks to the Internet’s immensity. These social media platforms allowed us to communicate with others, establish friends online, and share images, messages, and videos. However, there are situations when specific text messages, images, or videos make us feel uncomfortable in public and we refer to this as cyberbullying. According to many UAE laws, insulting someone, making fun of someone, or making hurtful comments about someone on social media is a felony that carries a serious punishment in UAE.
How is cyberbullying addressed by UAE law?
The Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 is a new law that the United Arab Emirates just passed to combat cybercrime, rumors, and false information (Cybercrime Law). Many different forms of cyberbullying exist. It might take the form of disparaging or insulting another person over a network of information technology. It might also entail sharing private images or videos online without authorization. Extortion might also be involved. All of these behaviors are punishable under the Cybercrime Law, which in certain circumstances even carries criminal penalties.
The following lists a few infractions and the punishments that the Cybercrime Law specifies for each.
- Insults: Under the Cybercrime Law, anyone who uses online means to insult another person or attribute to him a behavior that could expose him to retribution or disdain by others will be liable to punishment under Article 43. Penalties might include imprisonment and/or fines of between 25,000 and 500,000 dirhams.
- Electronic Extortion: Article 42 of the Cybercrime Law penalizes electronic extortion. According to Article 42/1, anyone who engages in conduct that could be construed as extortion or makes threats to persuade someone to perform or refrain from activity online would face penalties including up to two years in prison and/or fines between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000.
- Defamation: In accordance with Article 44, using an information technology method to reconfigure or process a recording, image, or video with the intention of disparaging or abusing another person is punishable by at least a year in jail and/or fines between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000.
- Image sharing without permission: A typical tactic used in cyberbullying is to share private images of individuals without their permission. According to Article 34, it is illegal to create, manage, or supervise a website, transmit, circulate, show pornography, or do anything else that undermines public morals online. The punishments range from incarceration to 250,000 to 500,000 AED in fines.
- The same punishment will apply even if the content is created, sent, or stored with the intention of using, distributing, or even displaying it online. If children are involved or the content is intended to entice youngsters, the penalties are more severe. According to Article 35, involving children in pornography can result in imprisonment and fines of up to AED 1,000,000.
The victims of cyberbullying are often oblivious to the degree of strictness of the anti-cyberbullying laws in UAE, as well as how taking the right legal action can both protect them and others going through the same issue. Hiring the best legal services uae like AL Jasmi Law will leave no stone unturned to ensure the privacy of the information provided by the victim and will also make sure that it is not accessible by unauthorized individuals. This necessitates consulting The best Advocate Dubai from a reputable firm as soon as possible so that he/she can effectively advise a client about the actions that may be made to resolve the issue.