The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has called on the public not to make a mockery or damage the reputation of the country and its institutions online and warned of jail time and a hefty fine for people who do so, reports Khaleej Times.

In an advisory posted on X on Tuesday, 29 April, the UAE's capital's legal authority said that anyone who publishes information, news, data, visual images, visual materials, or rumours on a website or any information network or technological means with the intention of ridiculing or harming the reputation, prestige or status of the country, its authorities or institutions, will face imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years and a fine not exceeding Dh500,000.

It is according to Article (25) of the Federal Law No. (34) of 2021 regarding combating rumours and cybercrimes.

On 12 April, Abu Dhabi Police had issued an advisory asking the public to avoid spreading rumours and fake information.

The authority has asked residents to verify information before circulating news on social media platforms and ensure the safety of everyone.

Residents who post and share anti-social and morally unethical content on social media that goes against the country’s tolerance and co-existence policy could face up to Dh1 million fine and imprisonment, legal experts have said.