UAE authorities have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that sharing false information or rumors on social media platforms can lead to severe consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment. The warning comes in response to recent social media posts that claimed a student had died due to a heart attack triggered by academic failure.

The Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) has clarified that these posts are fabricated and lack factual basis. The student’s name mentioned in the posts cannot be found in the records of any ESE affiliated school.

Spreading fake news and rumors is a serious offense in the UAE, and the ESE urges the public to verify information from credible sources before sharing it on social media.

According to the UAE Public Prosecution, spreading false information and rumors can result in imprisonment for at least one year and a fine of no less than Dh100,000. The penalty is more severe if the offense occurs during pandemics, emergencies, or crises, with up to two years in prison and a minimum Dh200,000 fine.

The UAE takes strict action against social media misconduct. Penalties and fines for various violations include sharing misleading information, unauthorized photos or videos of individuals, content that harms public morality, and more.

To avoid legal trouble, web users are advised not to share private contact information on unreliable platforms, click on unknown links, or download apps from unknown sources. UAE’s stringent stance on social media violations highlights the importance of responsible online behavior and using verified sources for information.