The widespread adoption of the Internet in Abu Dhabi, with usage rates reaching up to 99% of the population, has made online slander and defamation crimes one of the greatest challenges requiring the Best Legal Consultation Lawyer in Abu Dhabi.
These crimes include publishing offensive words or images that touch upon honor, religion, or reputation via digital platforms, leading to rapid and widespread dissemination.
In 2025, several amendments were added to the laws to keep pace with developments, such as the use of artificial intelligence in detecting offensive content, as reported by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
What is Online Slander and Defamation (Cyber Libel)?
Online slander and defamation are not isolated incidents. These cases now constitute 25% of cybercrimes, according to police statistics.
This continuous increase necessitated the establishment of specific laws, as a single post can garner thousands of views, causing significant harm.
The law always deals strictly with these crimes.
If you need to obtain legal consultation in Abu Dhabi, you should contact the Samaha office,We are the Best Legal Consultation Lawyer in Abu Dhabi for online slander and defamation cases.
Defining Slander and Defamation by the Best Legal Consultation Lawyer in Abu Dhabi
Online slander and defamation constitute the misuse of digital means with the intent to harm the reputation of others.
Slander is defined as attributing insulting words to a person without citing a specific incident, such as (vile or corrupt),
while defamation (Qadhf) is the attribution of an untrue incident that exposes the person to contempt or punishment,
such as accusing them of theft or corruption.
In the electronic context, this occurs through publishing posts, comments, or private messages on social media,
as happens in cases of slander on platforms like TikTok or Snapchat.
According to Article 43 of the Federal Decree-Law No. 5 of 2024 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes,
any use of the information network to attribute such actions is considered a crime.
The key difference lies in the attribution: Slander is general, while Defamation is specific.
In these situations, you require the Best Legal Consultation Lawyer in Abu Dhabi.
This may also include mass public shaming via hashtags.
The Legal Framework in Abu Dhabi for Online Slander and Defamation
The law in Abu Dhabi utilizes a combination of federal and local legislation to counter cyber slander and defamation, based on the Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021), which defines cybercrimes as any misuse of the information network.
The law also supports the protection of Personal Data (Federal Law No. 45/2021), which criminalizes online privacy violation. During 2025,
amendments were added that oblige international platforms like Meta to remove offensive content within 24 hours.
Penalty for Online Slander and Defamation in Abu Dhabi
The penalty for online slander and defamation in Abu Dhabi is among the most deterrent, highlighting the severity of the crime against society.
According to Article 43 of Law No. 5 of 2024, the perpetrator is subject to imprisonment and a fine of not less than AED 250,000 and not exceeding AED 500,000.
If the slander or defamation is against a public official or occurs during the performance of their duty, the penalty is aggravated,
as per Article 2 regarding defamation related to honor or chastity within the limits of Sharia, along with civil compensation.
Legal Consultation in Abu Dhabi: Admissible Evidence in Cyber Slander and Defamation Cases
The process of proving online slander and defamation relies on reliable digital evidence.
Admissible evidence includes:
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Screenshots: With date and time, and must be certified through programs like Adobe Acrobat or a certification from the service provider.
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Platform Records: Official requests to Facebook or Twitter for IP addresses and login records, often conducted through TDRA procedures.
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Witness Testimonies: Statements from individuals who viewed the post, supported by their phone numbers.
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Expert Analysis: Technical reports proving forgery or dissemination, especially in deepfake cases.
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Archived Content: Backups of messages or posts before deletion.
Legal Consultation in Abu Dhabi: How to File an Online Slander and Defamation Complaint in Abu Dhabi
To file a complaint regarding online slander and defamation in Abu Dhabi, you must follow some quick and easy steps,
with electronic options available for privacy. The main steps are:
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Gathering Evidence: Preserve screenshots, links, and recordings.
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Choosing the Channel (Police or TDRA).
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Filling the Form: Specify the perpetrator (name or account), describe the crime, and attach evidence.
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Investigation: The police conduct the preliminary investigation, followed by the Public Prosecution.
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Trial: Referral to the Criminal Court, in addition to civil compensation claims.
The complaint must be submitted within 3 months of the crime, according to the procedures law.
In 2025, the (Safe Report) service was launched for anonymous reporting.
Contact the Best Legal Consultation Lawyer in Abu Dhabi for cyber slander and defamation cases.
The Importance of Legal Consultation in Abu Dhabi for Cyber Slander and Defamation Cases
Law firms like Samaha play a crucial and clear role in cyber slander and defamation cases, particularly in Abu Dhabi. We can assist you with services that include: preliminary consultations to assess evidence, drafting complaints, representation before the Public Prosecution and courts, and requesting compensation.
The Importance of Legal Awareness in Social Media Usage
Cyber slander and defamation crimes pose a real and clear threat in Abu Dhabi, but strict legislation and effective procedures provide strong protection—from definition to penalties and evidence.
It is clear that prevention starts with awareness: check privacy settings, avoid offensive posting, and consult a specialist when in doubt.
With the help of 2025 campaigns like (Communicate Safely), users are encouraged to take responsibility in the digital world to preserve dignity, as it is a shared responsibility.
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi strives to build a safe community that protects everyone.
Given the widespread adoption of technology and social media, cyber slander and defamation cases require greater legal awareness and responsibility in dealing with the digital space.
Through the tightening of legislation in Abu Dhabi and the development of user protection mechanisms, resorting to specialists has become a necessity to ensure your rights and properly defend your reputation.
Therefore, if you have been subjected to any digital abuse or need to accurately understand your legal position, be sure to obtain legal consultation in Abu Dhabi from experienced lawyers to ensure you take the correct measures and fully protect your rights within the framework of the law.
Contac Us at Samaha.