6 months in jail, up to Dhs500,000 fine for disclosing secrets, invading privacy in UAE

Mira Al Rashdi, Staff Reporter

The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) has stated that if one shares secrets or invade someone's privacy, he/she could go to jail for at least six months and be fined at least Dhs150,000 and not more than Dhs500,000.

Furthermore, Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrime outlines the penalties for those who utilise an information network, an electronic information system, or any of the means of information technology to infringe upon the privacy of individuals and the sanctity of their private or family life without their consent.

According to Article 44, it is unacceptable to record, broadcast or disclose conversations, communication, audio or video material, take, reveal or retain images of others, publish news, electronic or photographic images, scenes, comments, data or information, even if true, with intent to harm a person, or take and publish images of injured, dead or accident victims without the consent of those concerned, or track, monitor, disclose, transmit or retain the geographical locations of others.

The ADJD also pointed out that the penalty is tougher for modifying or morphing an image with the intention of defaming or offending others. The penalty is a jail term of not less than one year and/or a fine between Dhs250,000 and Dhs500,000.