UAE Issues Strict Warning on Cyber Law Compliance, Including WhatsApp Activity

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have issued a strong advisory urging residents to strictly comply with national cybercrime laws, warning that violations on digital platforms can lead to heavy penalties.

Officials stated that even private conversations on messaging apps such as WhatsApp are not exempt from the country’s cybercrime regulations. Sharing screenshots, forwarding private chats, or distributing conversations without consent can be considered illegal under UAE law.

Authorities further warned that forwarding false or misleading information may result in criminal charges. In serious cases, fines could range from 250,000 to 500,000 UAE dirhams, depending on the severity of the violation.

The advisory also highlighted that group administrators may be held legally responsible for any unlawful content shared within their groups if they fail to take action.

Additionally, sharing unverified news or misinformation has been classified as a punishable offence, with officials urging the public to exercise caution and verify information before forwarding it online.