Reviews are considered an important tool for development, as they help business enterprises understand where they need to improve and assist other customers in deciding whether a place, service, or product is good or not. Criticism can be a means of improvement when expressed with the intention of conveying dissatisfaction with a service or product. However, the moment criticism in the form of a review is intended to defame, insult, or tarnish the reputation of a person or business, the situation changes, and such acts may be penalised under UAE law.
Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 On Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes
Article 43 of the Act criminalises defamation through social media or information technology. It states that if a person insults, makes defamatory statements, or makes accusations through social media platforms, websites, messaging applications, information networks, or technology systems, such acts may amount to an offence under the law. A negative review that is maliciously posted on the internet and is untrue may constitute defamation under this Article. A fine of not less than AED 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand dirhams) and not more than AED 500,000 (five hundred thousand dirhams), or imprisonment, may be imposed for such violations.
Article 52 of the Act criminalises the circulation of false, misleading, or inaccurate information online that may harm public interest. The punishment for this offence is imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of at least AED 100,000. If a review is posted that is misleading or inaccurate and causes harm to the public interest or reputation of an entity, such punishments may apply.
Federal Law by Decree No. (31) of 2021 Promulgating the Crimes and Penalties Law
Article 425 of the Act states that a person may face criminal liability if they publicly attribute an incident to another person that could expose them to punishment, hatred, or public contempt. The punishment for such an offence may include imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to AED 20,000.
Further, under Article 426, if a person is subjected to insults or damage to reputation without reference to a specific incident, the offender may be punished with imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine of up to AED 20,000.
Consumer Protection Law – Federal Law No. 15 of 2020 on Consumer Protection ensures that consumers are protected and entitled to safe and fair services. However, posting reviews with malicious intent or with the purpose of tarnishing the reputation of individuals or entities will not be considered a protected right under the Consumer Protection Law.
Things to Remember Before Posting a Review
- Ensure that the review is based on a genuine personal experience.
- Avoid using abusive, insulting, or humiliating language.
- Do not make false accusations or exaggerated claims.
- Verify facts before publishing any statement online.
- Avoid posting reviews with the intention of damaging a person’s or company’s reputation.
- Remember that social media posts, comments, and online reviews may be used as legal evidence.
- Constructive criticism is generally acceptable, but defamatory or malicious statements may attract criminal liability.
Reviews and customer feedback play an essential role in improving businesses and helping consumers make informed decisions. However, while expressing dissatisfaction is permissible, individuals must ensure that their reviews remain truthful, respectful, and based on genuine experiences. Under UAE law, reviews containing defamatory statements, false allegations, insults, or misleading information may attract serious legal consequences, including imprisonment and substantial fines.
We at Ayesha Al dhaheri Advocates and Legal Consultants, we assist individuals and businesses in addressing defamatory and malicious online reviews or complaints. Our team helps clients understand their legal rights under UAE law and take appropriate legal action wherever necessary.