Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE Cybercrimes Law has been amended to make it tougher for anyone promoting terrorism or hate speech online. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree amending the UAE Cybercrimes Law, according to state news agency WAM on Monday (August 13). Here are three important changes to the law:

Promoting terrorism:

10 to 25 years in jail and Dh2 million to Dh4 million fine for promoting or praising terrorism or terrorists on websites or online platforms.

Hate speech:

Up to 5 years in jail and a fine ranging fro Dh500,000 to Dh1 million for promoting hate speech online.

Endangering national security:

Temporary imprisonment, up to Dh1 million fine for posting comments, information, caricatures or photos that endanger UAE security Suspects will be tried in court, where first-time offenders may be sentenced to electronic probation and monitoring, and banned from using the internet for a specific period. The court may also order the deportation of foreigners found guilty of breaking the UAE's Cybercrimes Law. GAD/Expat Media
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