On August 26, 2025, the National Media Office of the UAE referred a group of social media users to the Federal Public Prosecution for violating media content standards. This marks a significant enforcement step under the country’s expanded digital and media regulatory framework. The move comes amid intensified monitoring and legal action targeting improper online behaviour, misinformation, defamation, and ethical breaches across digital platforms.
Referral of social media users to public prosecution
The National Media Office (NMO) confirmed on August 26, 2025, that a group of social media users has been referred to the Federal Public Prosecution for breaching media content regulations. The violations were detected through the office’s continuous monitoring operations. According to officials, the NMO’s monitoring team operates 24/7 to accurately detect violations, inform users of their infractions, and urge compliance to avoid legal repercussions. The NMO emphasised that these legal actions aim to uphold a responsible digital media space and protect society from harmful, misleading, or non-constructive content. It reiterated its call for all users to ensure their social media conduct reflects the UAE’s core media values and ethics. In March 2025, the NMO had issued a public statement urging social media users in the UAE to align their online activity with national values, including respect, tolerance, and coexistence. The statement stressed that the NMO, in cooperation with relevant authorities, would pursue legal action against any breaches of these principles, in accordance with the country’s legal provisions to maintain a safe and balanced digital environment.
Laws governing social media conduct and digital offences
Social media users in the UAE are subject to strict regulations under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, which was amended in 2024. The law criminalises defamation, insults, and the spread of false or misleading information online. Violations can lead to criminal charges, imprisonment, and fines ranging from AED 250,000 to AED 500,000 ($68,070 to $136,140). The law defines defamation as including both libel (written) and slander (verbal), with associated penalties of up to 2 years in prison for libel and 1 year for slander. Repeat or aggravated offences may result in increased fines or further legal consequences. Authorities across various emirates, including Sharjah and Dubai, have consistently warned that all forms of online communication, written posts, comments, replies, audio, video, live content, and even private messages, are subject to scrutiny and can result in legal accountability. They stress that digital content, regardless of format or platform, is traceable and can be used as legal evidence. Notably, legal responsibility extends beyond the original poster: users who repost, share, or even reply to defamatory or harmful content can also be held accountable under UAE law. Civil claims for damages may accompany criminal charges, especially in cases involving reputational harm.
Enforcement patterns and case examples
In recent years, UAE authorities have increased enforcement of cybercrime and defamation laws. A number of real-world cases underscore the seriousness of the legal framework:
- A woman faced legal penalties after posting a viral Instagram video criticising a hospital.
- A man was ordered to pay AED 70,000 ($19,060) in damages for defamatory remarks made against a business.
These instances highlight that even personal grievances or emotional reactions shared online can carry legal consequences. Law enforcement agencies continue to emphasise respectful, lawful engagement in digital spaces and discourage the use of personal attacks or inappropriate language. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use official complaint channels instead of resorting to social media criticism. Violations of existing media regulations can result in administrative penalties up to AED 1 million, or in the case of media entities, potential closure of the outlet. Senior officials have reiterated that all users serve as representatives of the UAE’s digital image and are therefore expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects national values.
Media law implementation and penalties
On May 29, 2025, the UAE enacted Federal Decree-Law No. 55 of 2023, introducing a new legal framework governing all forms of media. Enforcement began in late July 2025, bringing social media influencers, content creators, podcasters, and traditional media outlets under the same regulatory scrutiny. The law addresses several categories of violations, with corresponding fines and sanctions:
- Religious Insults: Any content (text, video, or audio) that offends
Islam or any recognised religion may result in fines between AED 250,000 and AED 1 million ($68,075–272,300). - Spreading Misinformation: Sharing unverified or misleading content can incur a AED 5,000($1,360) fine for a first offence, increasing to AED 10,000 for repeat violations.
- Moral Violations: Posts that breach UAE public decency codes, such as sexually suggestive material or hate speech, can lead to fines of AED 100,000 or more ($27,230+).
- Disrespecting State Institutions: Insulting national unity, symbols, or leadership, even subtly, can result in fines of AED 50,000–500,000 ($13,615–136,150).
- Unlicensed Media Events: Hosting public media activities without prior approval, such as book launches or screenings, can lead to penalties between AED 40,000 ($10,890) and AED 200,000 ($54,460)
Repeat violations can double the fines, reaching up to AED 2 million ($544,600). The UAE Media Council has the authority to suspend licences for up to 6 months or permanently shut down media entities or pages that persistently violate the law. Serious infractions may also trigger criminal proceedings and imprisonment.
Content monitoring and compliance expectations
As of August 2025, authorities have intensified real-time content monitoring across platforms, with an emphasis on verifying:
- Presence of valid media licences for public-facing content creators
- Proper disclosure of giveaways or promotional partnerships
- Avoidance of sensitive topics without factual verification
Several creators have already received formal warnings for violations such as lacking a media licence or engaging in commercial promotions without transparency. The current enforcement landscape leaves little room for ignorance or non-compliance. Authorities have made it clear: whether you’re a casual user, influencer, journalist, or podcaster, adherence to UAE media law is mandatory. The legal framework aims to ensure accountability, protect the integrity of public discourse, and foster an environment rooted in mutual respect, cultural sensitivity, and lawful expression.
