Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

Residents in the UAE should be cautious when posting negative reviews on Google or social media, as these actions can have serious legal consequences. Speaking to Expat Media, a salon manager in Dubai said malicious reviews can significantly impact businesses that is why the issue is treated seriously. “We had a client who wrote a negative review on Google and specifically targeted me, named me and even posted my photo. She claimed we didn’t give her proper service and that I was rude.” "We accommodated her even if she didn't have an appointment, so I don't understand why she would post such a review," the manager said, adding that since the claims were false and exaggerated, she went to the police station to file a complaint. “The police checked the review. I said, I understand that customers have the right to give feedback, but the officer said what was posted was not a review and that people must not target individuals or name them,” the manager, who wished to remain anonymous, told Expat Media. “Since I had the client’s number and I knew her full name, I gave her details to the police, who then called her and told her to delete the review or pay a fine. Police also asked me if I wanted to file a criminal case against her. I said I just wanted my photo removed. The client then deleted her post," the manager said. The UAE's Federal Decree Law on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes specifically addresses the issue of defamatory or damaging statements made online. According to the law, individuals found guilty of publishing information or statements that harm another person's reputation can face fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh500,000 and imprisonment for up to two years. The law aims to protect individuals and businesses from reputational damage caused by false or harmful reviews. Writing a review that includes false allegations, offensive language, or unverified claims can be considered defamatory under UAE law. This is particularly important for residents to understand, as even seemingly honest opinions can cross legal boundaries if they are perceived as harmful to someone's reputation. Instances where individuals might break the law include: - Posting exaggerated or false claims about poor service or product quality. - Using offensive or abusive language in a review. - Making unverified accusations of illegal activities or unethical behavior by a business. - Sharing private information about an individual or business without consent. Authorities recommend using official complaint channels for grievances to avoid potential legal issues. This approach ensures that complaints are handled professionally and within the legal framework, protecting both the complainant and the subject of the complaint. ICA/Expat Media
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