Dubai: The Federal Emergency Crisis and Disasters Prosecution warned the public that they will take strict action against people who are spreading misinformation and rumours about COVID-19.
The Federal Emergency Crisis and Disasters Prosecution also warned against inciting people to flout COVID-19 rules and mock the efforts and measures made by health authorities.
The federal authority was recently alerted about videos and posts on social media circulating false news and misinformation related to COVID-19 rules and safety precautions.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Emergency Crisis and Disasters Prosecution said: “It was recently noticed that some COVID-19 infected users are publishing and sharing visual materials and audio recordings, on social media platforms accompanied by lyrical clips and comments, calling for non-compliance with precautionary measures, and making fun of them. This affects the ongoing efforts being made by the UAE to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. We call on all members of society to avoid these behaviours, which are punishable by law.”
Publishing and sharing misinformation is punishable under the Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumours and cybercrimes. Find out what the law says about the penalty for publishing and spreading false news in the UAE in our detailed guide here.
