UAE: Up to $136,239 fine for taking someone's photo without consent

In a video posted on its social media accounts, the Federal Public Prosecution said Article 21 of the Federal Decree-Law no. (5) of 2012 on Combatting Cybercrimes, stipulates that whoever uses a computer network or an electronic information system or any information technology means for the invasion of privacy of another person shall be punished by imprisonment of at least six months and a fine not less than Dh150,000 and not exceeding Dh500,000 or either of the two penalties.

According to the article, the ways in which other people's privacy can be invaded may include interception, recording, eavesdropping, transferring, transmitting or disclosure of conversations or communications, or audio or visual materials.

Officials also explained that photographing other people without their consent or creating, transferring, disclosing, copying or saving electronic photos is an invasion of their privacy.

According to the article, invasion of others' privacy also includes publishing news, electronic photos or photographs, scenes, comments, statements or information - even if they are true and correct.

Prosecutors said the same article, also stipulates a punishment of at least one year in jail and a fine of not less than Dh250,000 and not in excess of Dh500,000 or either of these two penalties to whoever uses an electronic information system or any information technology means for amending or processing a record, photo or scene for the purpose of defamation or offending another person or for attacking or invading his privacy.