The Abu Dhabi Judicial Authority (ADJD) has issued a stern warning to residents of the UAE regarding the consequences of violating privacy laws. As per the country’s anti-rumours and cybercrime law, particularly Article 44 of Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, individuals found guilty of revealing secrets can face substantial fines starting at Dh150,000.
The law, aimed at safeguarding people’s privacy, responds to the widespread accessibility of smart technologies, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal space and boundaries. The ADJD, in its awareness drive, highlighted that recording or sharing conversations, taking or storing photos of others without their consent, and similar actions are strictly prohibited.
Offences that breach someone’s privacy are met with zero tolerance in the UAE. Violations can result in fines ranging from Dh150,000 to Dh500,000 and/or imprisonment for a minimum of six months. These violations include sharing news, images, comments, or private information about a person without consent, even if the material is genuine; recording, broadcasting, or disclosing conversations and audio-visual materials about a person; taking photos of the injured, dead, or victims of accidents and publishing them without consent; and tracking a person’s GPS location.
The ADJD also noted that penalties would increase to a minimum of one year in jail and/or fines between Dh250,000 to Dh500,000 if a voice note, photo, or a scene is altered to defame or offend another person.