Leaving Negative Reviews Online Can Now Land You Fines Of Up To AED 500,000

I understand the frustration of going to any kind of establishment and getting really bad service and wanting to leave a negative review about your horrible experience for everyone to see. But if you live in Dubai, you might want to think twice before posting it online. Even something as simple as leaving a negative review in Dubai can land you in some serious trouble. It all comes down to distinguishing the line between leaving constructive criticism and leaving defamatory comments. Come with me, and I’ll tell you all the ins and outs of defamatory laws in Dubai and how you can avoid fines and penalties for simple, easy-to-make mistakes.

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Understanding The Law

The UAE’s defamation law imposes penalties for public defamation, including fines of up to AED 20,000 and potential jail time. Aggravated circumstances, like defamation through media, result in harsher punishments.

Cybercrime laws in UAE prohibit the spreading of false information and impose severe penalties, especially during pandemics and crises. Insults or false attributions online may result in fines starting at AED 100,000 – AED 500,000 or ace up to 2 years in jail.

Legal Ramifications Of Reviews – Can businesses Sue For Negative reviews?

It depends on the content. Reviews that are insulting, malicious, misleading, or advise others not to patronise a business can trigger legal action under the penal code and cybercrime law. Companies can pursue both criminal and civil cases for defamation and seek compensation.

Constructive criticism based on genuine experiences usually doesn’t constitute defamation unless it’s insulting or malicious. Even factual statements that harm a reputation can be defamatory. It’s vital to ensure your feedback is honest and not defamatory.

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The Viral Effect Of Negative Reviews Online

Social media amplifies the reach of reviews, posing new challenges. Feedback isn’t just word of mouth anymore; it’s public and can go viral, increasing the risk of reputational damage for businesses. Nikhat Sardar Khan, a legal expert, explained to Khaleej Times that ‘digital libel’ is more harmful due to its enduring nature and global reach. Negative reviews can be archived and accessed indefinitely, making them more impactful.

Know Your Consumer Rights

UAE isn’t just keen on protecting businesses; consumers also have rights in the UAE. Consumers are protected under the UAE Consumer Protection Law, which ensures fair treatment and compensation for poor services or defective products. This legal route is more effective than seeking vengeance through reviews.

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Real-Life Consequences In UAE

In 2023, a woman in Dubai faced defamation charges for an Instagram post criticizing a hospital. She called it the “worst hospital” and accused doctors of incompetence. Under cybercrime law, she was fined and ordered to delete the video. In another case from May 2020, a woman was convicted for defamatory remarks about a medical centre on Google and Instagram. She claimed they provided the “worst service” and alleged fake positive reviews. The court fined her AED 5,000, confiscated her phone, and shut down her social media accounts. Her appeal was rejected, and the court upheld the defamation charge.

So, now that you know the consequences of leaving impractical negative reviews online in Dubai, you can move forward with caution. No one is asking you to always say nice things about establishments that don’t serve you well, but the key takeaway from this is to be mindful of your words and make sure you don’t end up hurting yourself just by trying to hurt someone else.

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