The rise of social media and instant messaging has entirely transformed the way information is shared. Everyday users repost Instagram stories, retweet content on X, forward WhatsApp messages, and share screenshots with friends and followers. People assume that legal liability rests with the original creator, UAE may also impose legal liability on people who redistribute unlawful content.
The intensifying speed at which information spreads online has made reposting content and forwarding a significant concern in this global age. The people should understand that sharing content created by another person originally protect them from legal liability.
Legal Framework Governing Online Communication
Online communications are governed by several laws, notably the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumours and Cybercrimes and the UAE Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021).
These laws address a wide range of offences involving electronic communications, including defamation, insults, privacy, disclosure of confidential information, and the dissemination of false or misleading content. Depending on the circumstances, civil liability may also arise where the sharing of content causes financial loss, reputational damage, or emotional distress to another person or organisation.
Can Reposting or Forwarding Content Create Legal Liability?
A common misconception in the community cannot be held responsible for content they did not create originally. However, UAE law recognises that the redistribution of unlawful material can contribute to the harm suffered by the affected party. By sharing harmful material online, an individual may increase its reach and amplify the damage to the person’s reputation, privacy, or business interests.
For the above reason, users should exercise caution before forwarding messages or forwarding content, even when it originates from a seemingly reliable source.
Common Situations That May Give Rise to Liability
Forwarding a WhatsApp message containing allegations against an individual or business may expose the sender to legal action if the allegations are false, misleading, or damaging to reputation. Sharing an Instagram story, reposting a video, or retweeting accusations against another person can result in legal consequences where the content harms the individual honor, dignity, or reputation.
Articles 425 and 426 of the UAE Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2024) criminalises libel and insult, whomever would expose him to public hatred or contempt or violate his dignity or honor as slander through any means of publicity. Where electronic means are used, Article 43 of the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 Countering Cybercrimes provides that any person who uses an information network, information technology means to insult another person or attribute to them a quality that would expose them to punishment or contempt by others may be punished.
Many online disputes arise from the publication of screenshots of private conversations. Article 431 addresses violations of private life, while Article 434 prohibits the unlawful disclosure or distribution of communication and information obtained through private means given in UAE Penal Code (Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2024). Article 44 criminalises the invasion of privacy through electronic means, including reading conversations, communications, recordings, or audio and visual materials without consent. Forwarding screenshots of private chats, sharing voice notes, or publishing private messages may therefore constitute a criminal offence.
Users should also exercise caution before reposting photographs or videos involving other individuals. Article 44 prohibits taking, transferring, disclosing, copying, or publishing photographs in circumstances that unlawfully invade privacy. The provision also criminalises publishing photographs of injured persons, deceased individuals, or victims of accidents or disasters without consent.
Article 44 further prohibits publishing news, photographs, comments, data, or information with the intention of harming another person may constitute an offence even where the information is true and genuine. This means that accuracy alone does not necessarily make publication lawful if privacy rights are violated.
Criminal Liability and Penalties
Depending on the circumstances, individuals who repost, forward, or share unlawful content may:
- Imprisonment
- Significant financial penalties
- Criminal investigations and prosecutions
- Ancillary measures that may be ordered by the competent authorities or courts in accordance with applicable law.
For example, Article 43 states for imprisonment and/or a fine ranging from AED 250,000 to 500,000 for online defamation and insult, while Article 44 provides penalties for various privacy-related offences committed through electronic means given in the UAE Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 Countering on Rumors and Cybercrimes.
Civil Liability and Compensation
Under the UAE Civil Transactions Federal-Decree Law No. 25 of 2025, a person who causes harm to another party may be required to compensate the injured party. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be awarded for:
- Financial loss
- Reputational harm
- Other proven damage resulting from the unlawful conduct
Practical Guidance for Social Media Users
To minimise legal risk, individuals should:
- Avoid sharing rumours, allegations, or unverified information
- Do not publish private communications or photographs without consent
- As a general rule, assume that reposting or forwarding content may carry similar legal consequences to publishing it yourself.
Conclusion
Forwarding, reposting, or sharing content online may seem harmless, but UAE law can impose liability on those who help distribute unlawful material. Before sharing messages, screenshots, photographs, videos, or allegations, individuals must carefully consider the legal implications and ensure their conduct complies with applicable laws protecting reputation and privacy.
We at Ayesha Aldhaheri Advocates & Legal Consultants advise individuals and businesses on cybercrime, privacy, defamation, and digital communication matters. Our team assists with legal defence strategies, compensation claims, and disputes arising from social media activity and online publications.