Challenges and Remedies for Cyber Harassment in the UAE

Cyber harassment is an illegal activity that involves people being threatened on digital platforms. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a global economic hub. Most sectors are now operated digitally; however, cyber laws have only recently been created in the UAE. Under cybercrimes, offenders are punished severely, including lifetime imprisonment or the death penalty. In the UAE, cybercrimes involve sexual assault, money extortion conducted online, or blackmailing an individual on a social network platform. Any act that harms the individual or the company in the digital space is a cybercrime. Making defamation claims, emotional abuse, and scamming people online – all these acts come under cybercrime around the world.

Cyber Laws in the UAE

The cyber laws in the UAE are governed under the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes. The law outlines criminal activities that are conducted online and without consent. Under this law, individuals can make complaints regarding cyberbullying, defamation, and other threats they receive online. The crime offender is punished with heavy fines and imprisonment, as the law regulates punishments in the UAE.

Protection Against Cybercrimes in the UAE

With time, the UAE has developed an efficient digital system for addressing complaints regarding cybercrimes and other illegal activities. The authorities have worked on techniques that could track the crime offenders online. However, the teamwork by the UAE officials is an important element for the betterment of the country. The investigation teams have proved themselves with cyber forensic skills that have led to crime offenders quickly. The digital complaint mechanism in the UAE has ensured the protection of the victims against blackmail, humiliation, and privacy violations.

Penalties for Cybercrimes in the UAE

The punishment for threatening individuals online could vary, based on the severity and motive of the act. In recent years, criminal activities including threats, defamation (false statements damaging to another’s reputation), and money extortion (illegally obtaining money through threats) have financial penalties between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000. There could be extensive financial penalty and maybe a harsh punishment that would lead to imprisonment or travel bans. One illegal cyber activity can lead to multiple charges against the crime offender in the UAE.

Prolong Penalties in the UAE

The UAE government ensures justice for everyone. However, it also discourages self-harm in any form. Considering that someone has harmed themselves or defamed an organisation, the court may increase the prison sentences. The crime offender maybe banned from using any digital platforms, permanently.

Complaint Mechanism in the UAE

The complaint mechanism in the UAE is efficient with digital platforms. Other than the traditional way, the victim can just make a complaint online by using official digital platforms and smart apps. The UAE officials can confirm verified portals through advertisements or public messages. Moreover, the UAE Police would work with the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to manage complaints from the victims. The evidence could be screenshots or chat messages and even links exposed online.

Efficient Investigation Teams in the UAE

The investigation teams in the UAE work efficiently on every case, even if the accounts are anonymous. Therefore, it becomes difficult to hide the identity, which reduces the chance of criminal activities. After the proofs have been gathered, the prosecutors decide for the criminal charges to proceed. Every digital document shall be original to avoid any kind of manipulation.

Ways to Reduce Risk of Cybercrimes in the UAE

Cybercrimes can be prevented with safety strategies. The foremost thing an individual should do is to create strong passwords for their digital accounts. Having privacy controls and making moderate settings make unsuccessful attempts to hack accounts. In the corporate environment, businesses should have data protection policies and strict guidelines for handling their social media accounts.

Moreover, individuals can get training about cybersecurity policies and their implementation. It makes them aware of their digital rights and keeps them protected online.

Companies Should Be Responsible

The UAE companies should be careful about their code of conduct, whether it is online or within the structure. Therefore, they should set some protocols to deal with social media campaigns and advise employees to act accordingly.

Support to Civilians

Cybercrimes lead to emotional and physical harm. They also affect a person’s financial and legal status. Individuals who have gone through cyberbullying (online harassment or intimidation) can always make claims in the UAE courts. A qualified legal professional could help them to get good compensation for their loss. For businesses, settlements and negotiations outside of court might work. The important thing in making a claim is the evidence. The individual will need to provide proof of cyber threats, which includes evidence of the illegal online act.

Medical Support

Sometimes, the victims of cyberbullying are traumatised. They are advised to seek medical help. Psycho therapies and emotional learning activities must be conducted for such individuals. One must prioritise their mental health in such cases.  

Government Intervention to Reduce Cyber Attacks

The UAE officials are promoting strategies against cyberbullying and cyberattacks. There have been campaigns running on social media, in schools, offices, and community centres where individuals are told about their digital rights. Moreover, these institutes have also guided the complaint mechanism system to record cybercrimes quickly. These workshops and training sessions make people aware of digital citizenship and warn them about getting scammed online.

Community Engagement to Prevent Cyberthreats

The community plays a vital role in making the system better. There could be teachers, parents, or employers who could be the whistleblowers. If they see that the internet in their surroundings has been misused, they can make complaints to the officials.