A UAE-based online influencer has been ordered to pay Dh81,000 after being found responsible for publishing defamatory statements on social media that allegedly damaged the reputation of a restaurant.
UAE Social Media Influencer Fined Dh81,000 for Defamatory Remarks Against Restaurant.
Officials concluded that the video featured explicit personal attacks aimed at specific individuals, rather than providing an objective assessment of the restaurant’s offerings, quality, or customer experience.
A UAE social media influencer has been ordered to pay a total of Dh81,000 after a court ruled that a video she shared online went beyond expressing an opinion and amounted to defamation against a restaurant and its owner, according to information released by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD).
The case involved a video recorded by the influencer inside or near the premises of a prominent restaurant, which was later uploaded to her personal social media platform. In the video, she raised allegations concerning the owner’s honesty, professional conduct, and business practices. The restaurant owner subsequently filed a legal complaint, claiming that the content caused serious harm to his personal image as well as the reputation of his establishment.
During the legal proceedings, the influencer was called for questioning and presented with the recorded material. She acknowledged that she had created the video and shared it through her own social media account. During both the initial investigation and Public Prosecution inquiries, she maintained that her intention was to highlight concerns and provide criticism about the restaurant.
However, after reviewing the content, authorities reached a different conclusion. Officials found that the video did not represent a genuine customer review or a simple expression of dissatisfaction regarding food, services, or overall experience. Instead, investigators determined that the statements made in the recording were directed toward individuals personally and included remarks that were considered insulting and damaging.
Authorities stated that there is a clear distinction between lawful criticism and statements that attack a person’s reputation. While customers and members of the public have the right to share their experiences and opinions about commercial services, such comments must remain within legal boundaries and should not include personal accusations, offensive language, or claims that could harm another person’s standing.
Based on the findings of the investigation, the court determined that the influencer’s actions represented defamatory and abusive conduct rather than a fair evaluation of the restaurant’s services. The content was considered to have targeted the character and reputation of the business owner instead of focusing on measurable aspects of the restaurant’s products or customer service.
Following the hearing, the court found the defendant guilty and issued several penalties. A criminal fine of Dh30,000 was imposed, and the court also ordered that the video be removed from the social media platform. In addition, the mobile device used for recording and sharing the material was confiscated as part of the judgment.
The financial consequences did not end with the criminal punishment. The court also awarded temporary civil compensation of Dh51,000 to the affected party in recognition of the harm caused by the publication. With the criminal fine and civil compensation combined, the total amount payable by the influencer reached Dh81,000.
The ruling highlighted the importance of responsible online behaviour and reminded social media users that digital platforms are subject to the same legal standards that apply to other forms of communication. Authorities stressed that online posts, videos, and comments can have serious consequences when they contain statements that damage the reputation of individuals, companies, or organisations.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department reiterated that the law allows consumers to share honest feedback and personal experiences about businesses. Constructive criticism, complaints about services, and genuine reviews remain permitted when they are expressed appropriately. However, content that includes personal attacks, harmful allegations, or offensive statements may lead to legal action.
The court’s decision serves as a reminder that social media influencers and users must carefully consider the impact of their posts before publishing content publicly. A large online audience can amplify the effects of statements made on digital platforms, and individuals may face legal responsibility if their posts unfairly harm another person’s reputation.
Authorities continue to emphasise that freedom of expression carries responsibilities, particularly in the online environment. The case demonstrates the UAE’s approach toward balancing the right to share opinions with the need to protect individuals and businesses from defamatory or abusive content.
According to ADJD, social media activity that crosses the line from criticism into personal defamation can result in criminal and financial penalties. The judgment reinforces that online platforms cannot be used as a means to spread damaging claims or attack the reputation of others without legal consequences.
Understanding UAE Defamation Laws
Defamation is treated as a serious offence under UAE law because false or harmful statements can negatively affect a person’s reputation, dignity, and social standing. The country’s legal framework provides protection against statements made publicly that accuse individuals of wrongdoing or expose them to public criticism without a lawful basis.
Under the UAE Penal Code, a person who publicly makes a false allegation about another individual may face legal consequences if the statement damages that person’s reputation. Article 425 of the Penal Code addresses defamation and establishes penalties for individuals who accuse others of certain acts or attribute facts that could lead to public embarrassment, loss of respect, or legal repercussions.
A person found guilty of this offence may face imprisonment of up to two years or a financial penalty of up to Dh20,000. The purpose of this provision is to prevent the spread of damaging accusations and to ensure that individuals are protected from statements that unfairly harm their reputation or standing in society.
The law considers the method used to spread defamatory statements when determining the seriousness of the offence. If defamatory content is distributed through printed publications, newspapers, or other forms of official media, the act may be viewed as an aggravated offence. This means the punishment can become more serious because publishing through widely accessible channels increases the potential impact on the person affected.
In addition to defamation, UAE law also addresses situations where a person’s honour or dignity is harmed through offensive remarks that do not involve a specific allegation. Article 426 of the Penal Code deals with public insults, covering situations where someone uses abusive, disrespectful, or humiliating language against another person.
The key difference between defamation and insult lies in the nature of the statement. Defamation involves making a claim about a particular fact or event that may cause another person to face public disapproval, punishment, or contempt. For example, an accusation involving a specific action or behaviour may fall under defamation if it harms the person’s reputation.
Public insult, on the other hand, does not require an accusation of a specific act. Instead, it focuses on expressions, words, or comments that directly attack a person’s dignity, reputation, or personal honour. Even without making a factual claim, offensive statements made publicly can result in legal consequences if they cross the limits established by law.
The UAE legal system also provides certain exceptions in specific circumstances. Article 428 of the Penal Code explains that a person may avoid liability for defamation if they are able to prove the truth of the allegation in cases involving public officials or individuals carrying out public duties, provided the statement relates to their official responsibilities.
However, proving that a statement is true does not automatically remove legal responsibility in every defamation case. The protection applies mainly when the allegation concerns the performance, actions, or conduct of a public official while carrying out official duties. Statements involving private matters or unrelated personal claims may still be subject to legal action even if they are presented as factual.
The provisions under Articles 425, 426, and 428 demonstrate the UAE’s approach toward maintaining a balance between freedom of expression and protecting individuals from harmful speech. While people have the right to share opinions, provide feedback, and raise concerns, those rights must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law.
With the rapid growth of social media platforms, the importance of these rules has increased. Posts, videos, comments, and online reviews can reach large audiences within seconds, potentially causing significant damage to a person’s reputation. As a result, individuals are expected to carefully consider the accuracy and nature of their statements before sharing content publicly.
The law allows legitimate criticism, including opinions about services, products, and professional experiences. However, criticism must focus on the subject matter and should not become a personal attack, false accusation, or abusive statement directed at an individual.
UAE courts consider the content, intention, method of publication, and impact of statements when reviewing defamation-related cases. A comment or post that appears to be a simple opinion may still result in legal consequences if it includes harmful allegations or unjustified attacks on another person’s character.
The country’s defamation laws serve as a reminder that public communication carries responsibility. Whether statements are made through traditional media, social networks, or other digital platforms, individuals must ensure that their words do not unlawfully damage the reputation, dignity, or rights of others.
UAE Cybercrime Law and Regulations on False Information
The UAE’s cybercrime legislation establishes strict rules to prevent the misuse of digital platforms and limit the spread of inaccurate, harmful, or misleading information online. With the increasing use of social media, websites, and other electronic communication channels, the law provides a framework to address content that may negatively affect individuals, communities, public safety, or national stability.
Under the UAE cybercrime law, publishing, sharing, distributing, or circulating false information through digital platforms is considered a serious violation. The legislation applies to various forms of online communication, including the creation, reposting, forwarding, or promotion of inaccurate news, fabricated reports, misleading claims, and rumours that conflict with officially confirmed information.
The purpose of these provisions is to prevent the rapid spread of false content that could create confusion, damage public confidence, or disrupt social order. Authorities have highlighted that misinformation can have significant consequences, particularly when it relates to sensitive matters involving public health, emergencies, safety, or issues affecting the wider community.
The law is designed to protect public interests by holding individuals accountable for deliberately spreading information that is false, deceptive, or harmful. Digital platforms allow content to reach thousands or even millions of people quickly, making it important to regulate the circulation of information that could negatively influence public behaviour or create unnecessary fear and uncertainty.
Individuals who violate these provisions may face serious penalties. The punishment can include imprisonment for a minimum period of one year and a financial penalty of no less than Dh100,000. These penalties reflect the seriousness with which the UAE treats the intentional spread of false information through electronic channels.
The law provides for stricter punishment in exceptional circumstances. If the offence occurs during periods such as public health emergencies, pandemics, disasters, or other major crises, the consequences become more severe. In such situations, offenders may face imprisonment of up to two years along with a fine starting from Dh200,000.
The increased penalties during emergencies are intended to prevent misinformation from worsening already challenging situations. False claims during crises can create panic, interfere with official efforts, and undermine public trust in reliable sources of information.
Because the legislation focuses specifically on false, inaccurate, and misleading content, the accuracy of the information shared can become an important factor in legal proceedings. A person accused of spreading false information may seek to demonstrate that the information was accurate, based on reliable sources, and shared without the intention of misleading the public or causing harm.
The context, purpose, and impact of the communication may also be considered when authorities review such cases. Sharing information responsibly, verifying facts before publication, and avoiding the spread of unconfirmed claims are important obligations for users of digital platforms.
In addition to addressing misinformation, UAE cybercrime laws also provide protection against online insults, personal attacks, and defamatory statements. The legislation recognizes that digital communication can be used to harm a person’s reputation, dignity, or social standing, and therefore establishes penalties for abusive online conduct.
Under the law, individuals who use electronic platforms to insult another person or make allegations that could expose someone to punishment, public criticism, or contempt may face criminal liability. This provision applies to statements made through online channels, including social media platforms, messaging applications, and other forms of digital communication.
Those found guilty of such offences may face financial penalties ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000, along with possible additional legal consequences. The purpose of these penalties is to discourage individuals from using technology as a means of attacking others, spreading harmful accusations, or damaging reputations.
The UAE’s cybercrime framework reflects the growing importance of responsible digital behaviour. While individuals are allowed to express opinions, share experiences, and participate in public discussions, online activity must remain within legal boundaries. Freedom of expression does not include the right to publish false allegations, spread harmful rumours, or engage in personal attacks.
Social media users, content creators, and online publishers are therefore expected to verify information before sharing it publicly. A post, video, or message that appears minor can have a significant impact when widely circulated, and individuals may be held responsible if their content causes unlawful harm.
The law also highlights the difference between legitimate criticism and illegal online conduct. People may provide honest feedback about products, services, or experiences, but such comments should focus on facts and personal opinions rather than include false claims, insults, or accusations against individuals.
Through these regulations, the UAE aims to maintain a safe and reliable digital environment while protecting society from the risks associated with misinformation, online abuse, and reputational harm. The rules serve as a reminder that digital platforms carry responsibilities and that users must consider the legal consequences of the content they create and share.
As online communication continues to expand, compliance with cybercrime laws remains essential. Responsible use of technology, careful verification of information, and respectful communication are key principles required to avoid legal issues related to digital content.
