Public Prosecution: April Fool's may cost up to AED100,000

The Public Prosecution clarified that the laws, especially the Crimes and Penalties Law and the Law on Combating Rumours and Electronic Crimes, criminalize spreading false news, and impose penalties of imprisonment and a fine of no less than (100,000) dirhams. The penalties are even harsher if the information threatens public safety or societal order.

The prosecution stressed that being held responsible for online content is not limited to the initial creator, but includes everyone contributing to spreading, stressing that the online activity is subject to legal regulations, and that a “share click” could be a direct cause of accountability.

The prosecution concluded its warning by urging members of society to be accurate and obtain information from official sources.