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Coronavirus in UAE: Don't defame Covid-19 patients, warn police

Some people send messages and post comments in which they mention names of coronavirus patients.

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Anyone found posting or circulating a message that invades the privacy of coronavirus patients and their families or defames those with symptoms on social media platforms could be jailed for six months and fined between Dh150, 000 and Dh500, 000, the Ajman Police have warned.

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The warning has come following a number of complaints about people posting messages or comments and mentioning the names of those who have contracted coronavirus or have developed symptoms of the disease.
The police would investigate all these complaints. "The cases will be dealt with firmly according to the law and the accused will be referred to the public prosecution for legal action," an Ajman Police official said.
Some people send messages and post comments in which they mention names of coronavirus patients or those having symptoms advising them how to get cured, he pointed out.
The official added that people must be aware that posting, commenting or circulating messages, information or pictures regarding Covid-19 patients and their families on social media, even if the content is meant to advise or pray for their well-being, will be considered invasion of privacy and defamation.
"Don't send messages in social media groups or to anyone to provide information about a neighbour or relative or anyone suffering from the infection or having symptoms of coronavirus," he underlined and added: "A photo of a person taken in a public place and posted on social media could also be interpreted as an invasion of privacy."
He stressed that the security services in the country have the means to access the sources of the images and video clips that are published unlawfully on social media. The offender would be arrested and face strict legal action, he pointed out. "There were several previous cases of persons involved in such practices and they were punished for their wrongdoings," the official averred.
The UAE has clear and strict laws against cyber crimes. The official said that according to Article 24 of the Cyber Crime Law, those caught using the technology to invade someone else's privacy - which can even include eavesdropping, copying photos or publishing news - could be jailed for six months and face fines between Dh150, 000 and Dh500, 000.
Lawyer Mohammed Ibrahim said that some deliberately, unintentionally or ignorantly misuse the means of social communication, especially during this time. "Perhaps, the most prominent form of abuse is invading others' privacy, and therefore, each person using social media must be aware of his obligations and know his rights."
"The UAE is keen to protect the freedom and privacy of individuals and this concern is expressed through the promulgation of Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 and amendments until 2016 on combating cyber crimes," the lawyer pointed out.
afkarali@khaleejtimes.com