AED 200,000 Fines In The UAE On Publishing Fake News During The Pandemic

Anyone who utilizes the internet to print, disseminate, or propagate fake news, rumours, or misleading information that contradicts official sources risks a year in prison and an AED 100,000 punishment, according to state news agency Wam on Sunday.

According to the country’s Public Prosecution, this is increased to two years in prison and AED 200,000 in fines at a time of crisis, tragedy, or epidemic. This also applies to bogus news that  “agitates public opinion against state authorities”.

The specifics are stated in Federal Decree-Law No 34 of 2021, which is intended to counteract the spread of disinformation. It is part of the Public Prosecution’s continuing drive to improve public knowledge of UAE legislation.