In an era where information spreads rapidly and news can be shared at the click of a button, rumors and cybercrimes have emerged as significant challenges that modern societies face. The widespread use of the internet and social media has made it easy to circulate information without verifying its accuracy, often leading to public confusion, eroded trust, and psychological, social, and security damages.
In light of this, the United Arab Emirates presents a comprehensive model for combating rumors and cybercrimes through a combination of legal deterrence and community awareness. Experience has shown that addressing these phenomena requires more than just punitive measures; it necessitates the creation of a digital environment that empowers the Emirati community to avoid falling victim to false information while fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability in the digital media space.
The UAE is recognized as one of the first countries to adopt an advanced legislative and regulatory framework aimed at curbing the spread of rumors and tackling digital crimes. The Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 represents a pioneering step towards enhancing digital security and maintaining societal stability by imposing severe penalties on those disseminating false and misleading information.
In this context, Sumaya Harib Al-Suwaidi, a member of the Federal National Council, emphasized that the spread of rumors is a destructive phenomenon that undermines individual awareness and erodes trust in institutions. If left unchecked, these rumors can potentially lead to the downfall of communities, underscoring the psychological, social, and security repercussions they entail. The proliferation of social media platforms creates fertile ground for the dissemination of misleading news, prompting promoters to rush to share such content.
She noted that those who spread rumors often resort to sophisticated deceptive tactics, including artificial intelligence, image and video manipulation, exaggeration, and psychological warfare, to achieve hidden agendas that threaten societal stability and security. Al-Suwaidi pointed out that becoming a rumor spreader while neglecting the pursuit of truth is one of the most concerning risks for societal awareness. The UAE is combating this phenomenon through federal legislation aimed at addressing rumors and cybercrimes, establishing a decisive legal framework to counter such practices.
She asserted that prevention begins at the individual level and culminates in a collective effort from state institutions. Emphasizing the role of citizens and residents in fostering loyalty and belonging to the nation, she encouraged trust in official institutions and media, as well as reporting any rumors that could harm the community. Al-Suwaidi warned against complacency in addressing rumors, highlighting the importance of refraining from spreading them to avoid legal repercussions.
Naima Al-Sharhan, another member of the Federal National Council, remarked that circulating rumors via social media without verification or awareness has become a challenge that disrupts communities and affects their cohesion and safety, particularly in light of sensitive regional and global situations.
She added, “It is concerning how quickly misleading information spreads and is circulated among individuals as if it were true, despite the existence of competent official bodies in the country dedicated to verifying or denying such claims and making significant efforts to respond promptly and accurately.” Al-Sharhan pointed out that some users, whether out of good intentions or ignorance of the consequences, share inaccurate content that may affect state institutions, inadvertently stirring panic among community members without realizing that Emirati law is strict in this regard and holds accountable anyone who shares or re-shares content deemed as rumors or capable of disturbing public order.
Al-Sharhan emphasized the crucial role families play in monitoring what their children share online and the content circulated from their accounts, warning that they could unintentionally become involved in legal violations. She stressed that awareness serves as a safeguard in this digital age and that rallying around official sources while avoiding sensationalism or exaggeration is a national duty for every resident within the nation’s borders.
She added, “We are in a country guided by wise vision and strong institutions, and we must not allow ourselves to be tools in the hands of malicious individuals or rumor mongers. Let us all be cautious, for a rumor may consist of ‘a few short words’, yet its impact is rapid and potentially long-lasting.”
Severe Laws
Lawyer Salem Al-Keit explained that the UAE continuously updates its legislation to keep pace with digital transformations and confront the dangers of rumors, particularly across social media. The Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 regarding the combat of rumors and cybercrimes includes stringent penalties, which can lead to imprisonment or fines ranging from 100,000 to one million dirhams for anyone publishing false or malicious news that affects security or public order. If the rumor impacts state security, public order, or the reputation of institutions, or causes public panic, the penalty is heightened per Article (52).
He noted that public awareness of the law still requires enhancement, stating, “Some believe that re-sharing or hitting the ‘send’ button doesn’t constitute a crime, whereas the law holds individuals fully accountable for any content they share.” He affirmed that the law aims to address rumors and misinformation as well as combat cybercrimes, including incitement, hate speech, and defamation, while protecting national security and public order, and ensuring responsible use of digital media.
Article (53) of the aforementioned law stipulates that re-sharing or circulating rumors subjects an individual to legal accountability, as ignorance of the source does not exempt users from responsibility. Article (11) outlines that using information technology for promoting illegal activities may result in imprisonment and fines depending on the nature of the incitement and the content published.
He mentioned that intent does not absolve one from punishment; even sharing misleading posts, even without intent, is a crime. Therefore, verifying the source is a fundamental requirement before re-sharing or commenting, and the law applies to individuals, personal accounts, and organizational accounts. He concluded that the law promotes a culture of digital responsibility, deterring those who spread discord and rumors while protecting national institutions and public safety from misinformation.
Public Benefit Role
Khalaf Salem Bin Anber, Director General of the Emirates Association for Social Development, stated that community institutions play a complementary role alongside government entities in tackling the phenomenon of rumors. He noted that raising awareness and educating people about the dangers of false information is a fundamental aspect of the work of developmental and social associations in the country.
Bin Anber added, “We are working in the association to implement workshops and training courses aimed at various groups, particularly the youth, to enhance their ability to distinguish between accurate and misleading information, and to understand the psychological and social effects of rumors. The civil society sector serves as an important link between official entities and the public, and fostering a culture of dialogue and verification must be prioritized, especially with the rapid flow of information through digital platforms.
Community Engagement
Additionally, many citizens and residents expressed concern over the rumors circulating on social media, particularly those related to regional tensions or unverified security news. They affirmed that sharing false information distracts from national efforts and breeds anxiety among community members, emphasizing the importance of applying legal provisions against those who promote or publish misleading news, as combating rumors is a collective responsibility.
Iman Al-Hayyas, a government employee, stated that some messages circulated within the community contain unwarranted exaggeration of events, highlighting that some individuals neglect the importance of verifying news authenticity and prefer to believe rumors reflecting their fears, leading to even faster dissemination of such rumors. “We all trust our state’s institutions and their official sources; we do not need unreliable platforms that prey on public anxiety,” she remarked.
Abdullah Salem Al-Shamili, a retiree, pointed out that digital awareness has become a national necessity, warning that a simple rumor can disrupt an entire community. He advocated for immediate fines on those who publish news without verification, adding that “some individuals promote rumors without checking their validity, and sometimes they not only share unverified information but also embellish it with incorrect details, making the rumor larger and more powerful, thereby accelerating its spread and increasing its impact on targeted individuals or communities.”
Mohammed Aboulazm stressed the responsibility in what is re-shared, stating, “The UAE is a haven of safety, and it is our duty not to cause anxiety through unverified rumors. In times of crisis, a nation’s strength is not solely measured by its military or economic capacity but also by the awareness of its people. A conscious society capable of distinguishing between truth and falsehood serves as the first line of defense against the most dangerous contemporary weapons.”
Ahmad Faisal affirmed that the youth bear a double responsibility in addressing the rumor phenomenon, especially through widely-used social media platforms. In an age where research and verification tools are readily available, it is no longer acceptable to re-share any unverified or unknown information, stressing that neglecting verification only strengthens the spread of misinformation and weakens societal immunity against fake news. Returning to official state sources is the best way to ensure information accuracy and sustain collective awareness.