UAE experts warn: Sarcastic or speculative comments in cyberspace can incur fines of up to 500,000 dirhams.

This warning came after a woman faced legal action and was detained at the airport due to a comment about the 'fakeness' of another woman's bag.

Officials say this comment led to ridicule and a wave of online harassment against the bag owner, ultimately resulting in her filing a formal complaint.

According to police, the husband and children of this woman were allowed to pass through immigration, but she remained in detention for one night and was then transferred to Ajman.

Colonel Dr. 'Mohammed bin Hazem Al Suwaidi' stated that this case began with what appeared to be just a 'simple Instagram comment.'

Legal experts say that UAE cybercrime laws do not only cover direct insults or threats.

Even comments made in the form of jokes, insinuations, personal opinions, or hypotheses can fall under online defamation laws if they harm an individual's reputation or lead to public ridicule.

UAE lawyers say that the penalties for online defamation and insult can be very severe.

According to Article 43 of the Cybercrime Law, individuals found guilty may face imprisonment and fines ranging from 250,000 to 500,000 dirhams.

'Diana Hamada', a lawyer and legal consultant, stated that the severity of the case depends on various factors, including:

the type of statements used,

the truthfulness or falsity of the claim,

the extent of content dissemination,

and whether it caused ridicule or harm to the individual's reputation.

She added that during the investigation process, measures such as the seizure of electronic devices or travel bans may also be implemented.

Legal consultants emphasized that accusing goods of being 'fake' or 'fraudulent,' if later proven to be incorrect, carries greater legal risks.

'Hassan Al-Hays', a legal consultant, said:

If the falsity of the claim is proven, the matter is no longer considered merely a 'personal opinion,' but rather becomes the dissemination of harmful and misleading information.

Affected individuals can also request the removal of the post, a public apology, an official retraction, and civil compensation for moral and reputational damages.

UAE lawyers warned that deleting a comment after it has been posted does not necessarily eliminate legal responsibility.

Screenshots, archived versions, and digital evidence are typically used in investigations, and courts also examine the reach and impact of a comment in shaping public ridicule or online harassment.

In conclusion, experts urged social media users to:

avoid making unverified accusations about identifiable individuals,

especially regarding issues like reputation, financial matters, product authenticity, or personal behavior,

and when sharing personal experiences, to use neutral and cautious language.

Source: Gulf Times