Picture for illustrative purposes only. SHARJAH POLICE

Authorities made a fresh warning to residents that abusive comments on social media — including replies, live stream chats, and short remarks — can lead to fines of up to Dh500,000 and jail time under the country’s cybercrime laws. “Commenting on a public post does not give anyone the right to verbally attack, mock, or humiliate others,” said Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zawd, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police. “The law is clear — online insults, even in comment threads, are punishable.” UAE's Federal Decree Law penalises online insults or defamation with imprisonment and fines from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. Penalties increase for offences targeting public officials or made through widely followed accounts. The UAE Anti-Cybercrime Law and Penal Code also impose jail terms of up to 2 years or fines of up to Dh50,000 for aggravated cases. Authorities urge users to “scroll past or report” instead of responding with abuse. “Online respect is not optional; it’s the law,” officials said. ICA/Expat Media
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