A judge in the United Arab Emirates has ordered a woman, who was a social media influencer, to pay a combined amount of AED 81,000 for her defamatory video targeting a popular restaurant on social media.
The influencer videotaped and published a video on her personal social media page where she challenged the integrity and business practices of the restaurant owner, said the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. Later, the restaurant’s owner filed a lawsuit alleging that the video had wounded him personally and professionally.
A report revealed that the influencer, during the investigation, confessed to having filmed and posted the video herself. She, however, maintained that it was only a criticism.
The Abu Dhabi Judicial Department pointed out that the investigation revealed that the video exceeded the scope of expressing an opinion on the restaurant’s services or products. Rather, it was aimed at specific individuals and included insulting language, which the court found to be defamatory.
The court found the influencer guilty and issued a fine of AED 30,000, ordered to remove the controversial video, and ordered the authorities to confiscate the mobile phone used in the filming of the video.
The court also ordered the influencer to settle AED 51,000 in provisional civil compensation in favor of the owner of the restaurant, making a total compensation of AED 81,000.00 for the restaurant’s owner.
In its decision, the court said that consumers can criticise products and services, but not the reputation of people or businesses by way of defamatory accusations or personal attacks.
According to UAE law, social media defamation, insults, and information that is false and misleading are criminal offences with potential imprisonment and high fines.
In certain circumstances, fines between AED 250,000 and 500,000, or even imprisonment, are possible in the country under the cybercrime law. Under the cybercrime law, the country has the power to fine any individual between AED 250,000 and AED 500,000 in certain cases and even imprisonment for spreading false information.
Also read: iPhone 20 could feature an all-new glass-centric design
