28th December, 2021
Are you going to Dubai and UAE soon?. You better don’t pan your phone camera anyhow as you may be violating a new law.
Taking an unauthorised pictures of someone in public is now a punishable crime in the UAE, according to the country’s amended Cybercrime Law.
The offence is rewarded with six month jail or fine between Dh150,000 to 500,000 or both, reports Gulf News.com
The amended cybercrime law, which becomes effective 2 January 2022, will offer greater protection to citizens and residents in the growing digital era, the report stated.
The new law also presents tougher penalties in certain crimes such as causing damages to data systems of banks, media, health and science sectors.
The new law offers protection to internet users from electronic fraud and preserves personal privacy and rights. It gives courts powers to confiscate devices, software, content or other means used in the crime.
Wageh Amin Abdelaziz, senior legal adviser at World Center Advocates and Legal Consultants, said that new amendments covered crimes committed online, including bullying, harassment and dissemination of fake news. “It is one of the first comprehensive legal frameworks in the region to address concerns arising as online technology advances,” Abdelaziz told Gulf News.
“As of January 2 next year, taking pictures in public places for tracking a person or secretly recording him or her will be a crime,” added Abdelaziz.
He said that people need to understand that taking pictures in public places isn’t forbidden, but one must remember to protect the privacy of others while taking pictures.
“People can take pictures and selfies in public places and document their moments freely, but one must always remember not to breach the privacy of others and respect their personal privacy and rights.”