Covid in UAE: Authorities issue warning as social media posts mock safety protocols

UAE residents have been warned against publishing or circulating misleading information or rumours about Covid-19 safety measures. They have also been warned against mocking safety measures.

The Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Prosecution at the Federal Public Prosecution said it had spotted some social media posts that mocked the Covid safety protocols implemented in the country.

Some posts featured Covid-positive results as seen on AlHosn app, with video or audio clips calling for non-adherence to isolation and quarantine measures.

Such posts ridicule the efforts of the country’s authorities in effectively curbing the spread of the virus, the prosecution added.

"In light of the recent circulation of photos and videos on social media spreading information from some Covid-19 patients on the Al-Hosn application, accompanied by comments and songs mocking the precautionary measures and calling on others to flout them, threatening the national efforts to address the pandemic, we, therefore, call upon members of the community to refrain from this behaviour, which is punishable by the law," said the prosecution’s statement.

The authority reminded residents that fake news is punishable with fines and imprisonment.

According to Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, anyone who uses the internet to publish, circulate or spread false news, rumours or misleading information, contrary to the news published by official sources, could be punished by imprisonment for at least one year and fined Dh100,000.

The prosecution called on residents and social media users to be responsible and support the authorities in implementing Covid safety measures.