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When Iranian missile<\/span> and drone attacks on the United Arab Emirates began earlier this year, cybercrime laws also came into focus as the conflict played out in the sky\u2014and online. Authorities announced arrests linked to misleading videos, AI-generated clips, illegal filming, and the spread of misinformation.<\/p>\n For many residents, the reaction was one of surprise: How could a screenshot, forwarded video, or social media post become a criminal matter? The answer lies in legal frameworks that were already in place.<\/p>\n During ordinary times, many forms of online misconduct can carry penalties under the UAE\u2019s cybercrime laws. But during crises, emergencies, or disasters, the stakes rise considerably. UAE law Article 52 criminalizes using the internet to spread false news, misleading rumors, or content contrary to official announcements, as well as material that could disturb public peace, spread panic, or harm public order.<\/p>\n In normal circumstances, the minimum penalty is one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 UAE dirhams. During epidemics, crises, emergencies, or disasters, those figures double to a minimum of two years and 200,000 UAE dirhams. The recent conflict did not create a new law. It triggered stricter penalties under one that already existed.<\/p>\n Legal consultant Ahmed Elnaggar, managing partner of Elnaggar & Partners, says the rationale for arrests related to online activity is consistent with that framework. \u201cContent shared during emergencies is assessed not only for its accuracy, but also for its potential impact on stability, security, and public perception,\u201d he says. \u201cWhat might appear as commentary or documentation can, in such contexts, be interpreted as harmful or unlawful communication.\u201d<\/p>\n Authorities ordered the arrest of defendants accused of publishing misleading videos, including AI-generated clips, and circulating material deemed harmful to public order and security. Abu Dhabi Police also announced the arrest of 375 people for illegally photographing designated locations and spreading misinformation online.<\/p>\n From a legal standpoint, Elnaggar says, all content from unverified or unofficial sources during a conflict carries serious risk. \u201cOnly content issued by official, approved UAE public authorities should be treated as safe to share,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Long before the recent conflict, the UAE\u2019s cybercrime framework has always extended beyond hacking, stolen passwords, and online fraud. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, it also covers privacy violations, false information, misuse of digital platforms, online defamation, and other forms of harmful online conduct.<\/p>\n For residents, tourists, creators, and anyone carrying a smartphone, the practical lesson is simple: Some common online habits can have legal implications.<\/p>\n Screenshots have become a language of their own. They document conversations, settle arguments, provide evidence in disputes, and occasionally serve no purpose beyond making a group chat briefly more interesting. But once a private exchange is copied and shared, it may no longer be treated as private\u2014and intent is not always the only factor considered under the law.<\/p>\n Elnaggar puts it plainly: \u201cThe law does not distinguish between formal publication and informal sharing when the outcome is the same.\u201d<\/p>\n A screenshot becomes legally problematic, Elnaggar says, when it exposes private communications without consent, distorts the context of what was said, or contributes to reputational harm. \u201cThe law assumes responsibility at the point of disclosure,\u201d Elnaggar says. \u201cEven if content was originally shared in confidence between two parties, redistributing it can transform a private exchange into a regulated media act with legal consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n Many users assume intent is the deciding factor. The law, broadly speaking, does not.<\/p>\n A related misconception is that only the person who created problematic content carries any risk. That the person who wrote the message, filmed the video, started the rumor\u2014not the person who simply passed it on\u2014is at fault. That doesn\u2019t hold up under UAE law.<\/p>\n The legal definition of media activity is broad enough to capture not only original creators but anyone who participates in the circulation of content. \u201cPublishing and republishing are treated in the same way. Liability is attached to the act of publication itself,\u201d Elnaggar says.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWhen a Screenshot Stops Being Harmless<\/h2>\n
Forwarding Still Counts<\/h2>\n