From the Editors: Amended UAE Cybercrime Law offers effective deterrence

AMENDED UAE CYBERCRIME LAW OFFERS EFFECTIVE DETERRENCE: A fresh set of amendments to the UAE Cybercrime Law has stipulated harsher penalties for creating fake social media accounts, emails, websites and for fraud or impersonation committed online. According to the new legal provisions, an offender can be sentenced up to five years in jail and fined up to Dh2 million for such offences. While ensuring greater legal safeguards against cybercrimes, these new amendments also offer a model template and a point of reference to future-proof the nation’s interests and those of its citizens and residents against all forms of cyber activities that are immoral and illegal. The UAE has always been a step ahead in dealing with all forms of crimes, including cybercrimes. As the world switches to greater reliance on online activities and as our online footprints keep increasing by the day, the newly-amended UAE Cybercrime Law offers an effective deterrence against any likely damages to our interests and socio-economic wellbeing. [COMMENT BY: Sanjib Kumar Das, Assistant Editor]

WILL BORIS JOHNSON SURVIVE HIS LATEST CONTROVERSY? UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson suddenly finds his career on the line, after the controversy over lockdown parties allegedly held at the No. 10, Downing Street, the official residence of UK premiers. The report from the London police could be published as early as today, but only after the Prime Minister's Questions at noon in Parliament. Trouble for the PM had started once reports came out of him attending parties when Britain was in COVID-19 lockdown. But, once the police got involved in investigations, the matter became truly serious for Johnson. Today's police report involves the probe into parties held even at the official residence at a time when the entire nation was told to stay indoors and isolate. Already, senior MPs in the PM's own Conservative party are calling for him to resign. It is too early to say what will happen. But the robust nature of British democracy and institutional independence means that the PM has real cause for concern. [COMMENT BY: Omar Shariff, International Editor]

TWO-TIME WORLD CUP WINNERS URUGUAY STRUGGLING TO MAKE TO QATAR 2022 EVENT: Thirteen teams have already qualified for the Qatar World Cup which is set to begin in less than 10 months, but there are still 19 places up for grabs. It kicks off on November 21 but it may do so without some of the biggest teams - such as Uruguay. They won the tournament twice but face the real possibility of failing to make the 2022 event. Even though they boast the likes of stars Luis Suarez of Atletico Madrid and Edinson Cavani of Manchester United, they sit seventh in their group having lost four matches in a row. They have a massive game against Paraguay tomorrow and then Venezuela on February 1 and must win both to stand a chance of making it to Qatar. We all want the biggest and best nations competing to make the tournament a great spectacle, without them, the tournament will suffer.[COMMENT BY: Imran Malik, Assistant Editor]

BOLLYWOOD CELEBRATES THE PATRIOTIC SPIRIT: As India celebrates its 73rd Republic Day, it is not surprising to see Bollywood truly embrace the spirit of the nation once again. The Indian film industry has projected this very passion through its countless patriotic endeavors through the decades. While some have required a certain taste for the theatrics, on the large part, these films have taught us the meaning of being a true patriot. Classics such as ‘Swades’ and ‘Pardes’ are perfect examples of this, which send out a simple, yet subtle message that resonates with fans even today – you don’t need wear it on your sleeve to carry India in your heart. Happy Indian Republic Day to all celebrating. [COMMENT BY: Bindu Rai, Entertainment Editor]