UAE: Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021

1. Overview

Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, coming into effect on 2 January 2022, is intended to combat the misuse of online technology by criminalizing cybercrimes, fake information dissemination, and privacy disruption. It was enacted to curb the growing cybercrime, abuse of deepfake featured videos, and the circulation of false propaganda.

2. Scope of the Law

A wide range of computer-related offenses is embraced by this law, including Cyber Attacks and hacking of government-sensitive data. Mimicry by websites, social media handles, or forged emails. It also targets individuals and entities trading in or outside the UAE that affect the interests or the security of the country.

3. Key Provisions

• Forbidden Conducts: It criminalizes unauthorized access to sensitive information, the dissemination of false information, and developing Deepfakes-based online identities.
• Consent: It demands clear consent to collect, transmit, or process personal data.
• Responsibilities of Platforms: Websites and social media sites are required to remove unlawful content upon notice. These steps will ensure public order and the safety of cyberspace.

4. Fines and Enforcement 

• Imprisonment: The offender under the law attracts six months to five years imprisonment, depending on the nature of the crime.
• Fines: Fines range from AED 20,000 to AED 3,000,000.
• Legal Actions: The courts can issue writs to rectify, disable, interdict, or block access to illegal content.
• Platform Responsibility: These fines and imprisonment are administered by the UAE Public Prosecution and other competent authorities.

5 . Notable cases or precedents

Although under this law, specific cases are not publicly known, the UAE has prosecuted people for the dissemination of false information and cybercrime before.

For example, Human Rights activist Ahmed Mansoor, in 2018, was convicted of 10 years imprisonment for posting fake information on social media and damaging the state’s reputation. Examples like these confirm the government’s determination to implement the law provisions.

6. Comparison to Global standards 

The UAE law is strict relative to International standards,with strict punishment for the spreading of false information and cyber crimes. While data protection and security are emphasized in some nations, the UAE‘s law covers a wide scope of crimes, such as spreading false information and generating AI-based identities.

7 . Implications

Organizations and people working in the UAE ought to comply with the protection of data, refraining from the spread of unverified data. Non-compliance with these laws may lead to serious penalties.

8. Future Outlook

The UAE can revise and enhance its legal infrastructure to deal with cyber challenges and threats with technological advancement. The new laws can be enacted by the government to counter online harassment ,misuse of AI-generated data,and cyberbullying. The stakeholders of the technology should have to keep themselves up to date with legal updates and modify their practices to remain in compliance and make the digital space safe.