 "Swearing online in UAE may cost you $68,000")
A man in the UAE could be fined over $68,000 for swearing at his colleague on WhatsApp under a new law governing internet users after the country's top court overturned a verdict of a lesser fine for the offence.
The new law was brought to light by the Federal Supreme Court (FSC), which overturned two lower court sentences fining the man Dirham 3,000 (over $800) after he was convicted of swearing at another man on WhatsApp.
The court ordered a fresh trial, supporting the appeal by the prosecutor who argued that the earlier sentence was too lenient and did not conform to the new laws that include a penalty of Dirham 250,000 (over $68,000) or imprisonment for those involved in online offences, 7Days UAE reported.
Under the new law, people swearing online at others could be fined Dirham 250,000 and jailed, while expatriates could also be deported from the UAE.
"FSC supported the prosecutor's appeal and affirmed the need for enforcement of the law governing information technology crimes involving a Dirham 250,000 fine and deportation from the country".
A date for the new trial is yet to be fixed.
Court documents showed that the man, whose nationality was not stated, was prosecuted after his colleague complained to police that he swore in a message and also threatened to harm him.
The victim had presented his mobile phone to prosecutors showing that the defendant had sent "insulting" words to him.
The documents did not state what exactly had been said.
Prosecutors charged him under recently introduced cyber crime laws.
The defendant had denied the charges.
Both the first instance and appeal courts found the man guilty of committing a cyber crime and ordered him to pay Dirham 3,000. He was cleared of threatening to harm his colleague.
According to a media report, police and lawyers warned that sending a middle finger emoji sign - such as the one featured in Microsoft's new mobile operating system - could also land the user in court under the same laws.
The new law was brought to light by the Federal Supreme Court (FSC), which overturned two lower court sentences fining the man Dirham 3,000 (over $800) after he was convicted of swearing at another man on WhatsApp.
The court ordered a fresh trial, supporting the appeal by the prosecutor who argued that the earlier sentence was too lenient and did not conform to the new laws that include a penalty of Dirham 250,000 (over $68,000) or imprisonment for those involved in online offences, 7Days UAE reported.
Under the new law, people swearing online at others could be fined Dirham 250,000 and jailed, while expatriates could also be deported from the UAE.
"FSC supported the prosecutor's appeal and affirmed the need for enforcement of the law governing information technology crimes involving a Dirham 250,000 fine and deportation from the country".
A date for the new trial is yet to be fixed.
Court documents showed that the man, whose nationality was not stated, was prosecuted after his colleague complained to police that he swore in a message and also threatened to harm him.
The victim had presented his mobile phone to prosecutors showing that the defendant had sent "insulting" words to him.
The documents did not state what exactly had been said.
Prosecutors charged him under recently introduced cyber crime laws.
The defendant had denied the charges.
Both the first instance and appeal courts found the man guilty of committing a cyber crime and ordered him to pay Dirham 3,000. He was cleared of threatening to harm his colleague.
According to a media report, police and lawyers warned that sending a middle finger emoji sign - such as the one featured in Microsoft's new mobile operating system - could also land the user in court under the same laws.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%