Legal experts in the UAE have warned that filming and publishing vehicle license plate numbers on social media, especially when done with the intent to humiliate, accuse, or mock the owner or driver, can be considered a violation of privacy and a cybercrime.

According to UAE law, the accidental presence of a license plate in public videos (e.g., traffic scenes or public events) is not considered a crime.

However, if the license plate is deliberately targeted for filming or publication and is shared along with accusations, mockery, or harmful comments, it creates serious legal risks.

Misuse of technology to violate privacy, including filming, publishing, or sharing identifiable vehicle information, is considered a crime under Article 44 of Federal Law No. 34 of 2021, with penalties that can include imprisonment and fines ranging from 150,000 to 500,000 dirhams.

If the license plate is linked to an individual, dispute, accident, or accusation, the legal risks increase.

UAE data protection laws may also apply, especially when the vehicle license plate directly or indirectly identifies an individual along with contextual details.

Legal responsibility is not limited to the person who recorded or published the original video.

Individuals who republish, broadcast, comment on, or endorse content containing vehicle license plates may also face legal action.

Before publishing or republishing videos that show license plate numbers or identifying information about individuals, carefully assess whether the publication is necessary or may cause harm, insult, or a violation of privacy.

Even a simple republication can multiply the extent of harm and create legal liability.

These recommendations are provided to raise user awareness and prevent the dissemination of harmful or insulting content.

Source: Gulf Times