Dubai Police have warned social media users that comments, posts and reviews intended to damage the reputation of individuals or businesses may result in legal action. Major Yasser Juma Mohammed, head of the Social Media Crimes Department at Dubai Police, said freedom of expression does not permit users to misuse digital platforms to insult, threaten or defame others.
Speaking on a Dubai Police podcast, Mohammed referred to the arrest of a group of people accused of posting fake negative reviews of an establishment on Google Maps. He said users could face legal liability when criticism crosses the line into insults or defamation. Cybercrimes can also include threats, electronic fraud and hacking of social media accounts. He warned that using fake accounts does not guarantee anonymity, as trained officers can investigate digital activity and gather information to identify those responsible.
Mohammed urged the public to consider the consequences before publishing or resharing online content, noting that people who circulate defamatory material may also face legal consequences. He advised users to verify information through official authorities and reliable sources before sharing it, particularly during emergencies or other sensitive situations. Old government announcements should also be checked for current validity before being circulated again. Dubai Police encouraged residents to follow official instructions and use its eCrime Hub awareness platform to learn about emerging scams and digital security risks.
