Pinoys in UAE warned vs. spreading unconfirmed info on social media

Filipinos in the United Arab Emirates have been warned against posting and sharing unconfirmed or baseless information on social media, as this could lead to serious legal repercussion.

In a memorandum issued earlier this month, the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai said rumor mongering is considered a criminal offense in the UAE that is punishable by imprisonment and a hefty fine.

The consulate said that under Federal Legal Decree No. 5 for 2012 on combating cybercrimes, spreading rumors "damaging social peace and public order" and causing damage to "national peace" empowers the UAE to prosecute the individual.

"If proven guilty of such offense, one may face imprisonment and a civil fine not exceeding to AED 1 million," the consulate said.

Aside from spreading rumors, Filipino social media users in the UAE were also warned against posting pictures of others without the consent of the person.

The consulate said such offense may lead to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to AED 500,000.

Minors were also not allowed to have social media accounts in the UAE as they are prone to blackmail and other threats, the consulate reminded parents. —KBK, GMA News