The war in Iran has drawn attention to arrests in the United Arab Emirates over online content, but the legal framework behind that enforcement has existed for years.The advent of Iranian missile and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates earlier this year brought the issue of cybercrime laws into sharp relief. As the conflict unfolded both in the sky and in the digital realm, authorities announced a series of arrests linked to deceptive videos, AI-generated clips, unauthorized filming, and the propagation of misinformation. For many residents, this development was met with surprise and confusion. How could a simple screenshot, a forwarded video, or a social media post suddenly become a matter of criminal concern? The answer lies in the existing legal frameworks that govern online conduct.
In ordinary times, the UAE’s cybercrime laws penalize a wide range of online misconduct. However, during periods of crisis, emergency, or disaster, the stakes become significantly higher. According to UAE law Article 52, the use of the internet to disseminate false news, misleading rumors, or content that contradicts official announcements is criminalized. This also extends to material that could potentially disrupt public peace, incite panic, or harm public order.
Under normal circumstances, the minimum penalty for such offenses is a year in prison and a fine of 100,000 UAE dirhams. However, during times of epidemics, crises, emergencies, or disasters, these penalties double to a minimum of two years in prison and a fine of 200,000 UAE dirhams. The recent conflict did not introduce a new law, but rather activated stricter penalties under an existing one.
Ahmed Elnaggar, a legal consultant and managing partner of Elnaggar & Partners, explains that the rationale for arrests related to online activity aligns with this legal framework. He states, “Content shared during emergencies is evaluated not only for its accuracy but also for its potential impact on stability, security, and public perception. What may seem like commentary or documentation can, in such contexts, be construed as harmful or unlawful communication.”
In the wake of the conflict, authorities ordered the arrest of individuals accused of publishing misleading videos, including AI-generated clips, and circulating material deemed detrimental to public order and security. The Abu Dhabi Police also announced the arrest of 375 people for illegally photographing designated locations and spreading misinformation online.
Elnaggar warns that from a legal perspective, all content from unverified or unofficial sources during a conflict carries serious risk. He advises, “Only content issued by official, approved UAE public authorities should be considered safe to share.”
The UAE’s cybercrime framework has always extended beyond hacking, stolen passwords, and online fraud. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, it also encompasses privacy violations, false information, misuse of digital platforms, online defamation, and other forms of harmful online conduct.
For residents, tourists, creators, and anyone with a smartphone, the message is clear: Common online habits can have serious legal implications. Screenshots, for instance, have evolved into a language of their own. They document conversations, settle arguments, provide evidence in disputes, and occasionally serve no purpose beyond making a point. However, in the context of the UAE’s cybercrime laws, even a seemingly harmless screenshot can become a legal issue.
In conclusion, the recent conflict and the ensuing focus on cybercrime laws serve as a stark reminder of the potential legal implications of online activity. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and discernment when sharing content online, particularly during times of crisis. The digital realm, much like the physical world, is governed by laws designed to maintain order and protect the public. Ignorance of these laws is not an excuse, and compliance is not optional—it is a legal obligation.
