Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Public Prosecution has warned of penalties for spreading rumours and fake news, with jailtime and fines of up to Dh200,000 for violators. According to the public prosecution, anyone who uses the internet to publish, circulate or spread false news, rumours or misleading information, contrary to the news published by official sources, could be punished by imprisonment for at least one year and fined Dh100,000. In case the published false news or rumours agitates public opinion against authorities or occurs during times of pandemic, crises or disasters, the violator could be imprisoned for at least two years and fined Dh200,000. ICA/Expat Media
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