According to new UAE legislation, capturing images or video recordings of accident victims can result in a fine of up to AED500,000 and 6 months in prison. The law went into force earlier this year and is covered under Article 44 of UAE Cybercrime Law No. 34.
The new law is intended to safeguard accident victims’ privacy rights. The new law was explained to Gulf News by UAE lawyer Mohammed Al Najar. Anyone who takes photographs, films, or live recordings of accident victims is subject to the new rule.
#UAE: Taking photos, video clips of accident victims now punishable offence under amended law
Recording or sharing such images is considered serious breach of individual privacyhttps://t.co/Z4ZEgcm15d— Gulf News (@gulf_news) March 2, 2022
“As the world is living in the digital era, the Emirati legislators were aware of having specific articles to punish certain behaviours such as taking pictures of injured or dead people in accidents or disasters,” said Al Najar. “Additionally, posting or sending the pictures without permission from the concerned authority is punishable by law.”
“Using any communication means like mobile phones or websites to breach the privacy of people is forbidden in the UAE. Taking pictures of others in public or private places is a breach of privacy of a person or family without their permission.”
