The digital age has brought immense convenience, but has also opened the door to cybercrime penalties in the UAE. The UAE government takes these offenses very seriously, and the penalties are severe. If you’re living in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE, it’s essential to understand what actions could land you in trouble. This blog breaks down some key sections from the Federal Decree-Law No. (34) of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes. And specifically focusing on crimes against information technology.
4 minutes read…
Hacking: A Serious Offense
Under the UAE law, hacking into any website, information system (IS), or information technology equipment (ITE) is considered a serious crime. The cybercrime penalties in the UAE vary depending on the severity of the hacking and the resulting damage:
Basic Hacking
If someone hacks into a system without causing any direct harm. They can face imprisonment and a fine ranging from AED 100,000 to AED 300,000.
Hacking with Damage
If the hacking results in damages, such as destroying data or disrupting operations, the penalties increase significantly. In such cases, the offender could be imprisoned for at least six months and fined between AED 150,000 and AED 500,000.
Hacking for Illegal Purposes
If the hacking is committed with the intent to steal data or use it for illegal purposes, the punishment becomes even more severe. Offenders may face at least one year of imprisonment and/or a fine between AED 200,000 and AED 500,000.
Hands Off Of Government Systems
Article (3) clarifies that hacking into government systems is a severe crime. The law prescribes temporary imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 200,000 to AED 500,000 just for gaining unauthorized access.
If the hacking leads to any form of damage or data loss, the penalties escalate significantly—imprisonment of at least five years and fines that could reach up to AED 1,500,000. If someone steals government data, they face a minimum of seven years in prison.
Causing Harm to Information Systems
Under Article (4), intentionally damaging, disrupting, or interfering with information systems can have severe consequences. The law imposes at least one year in prison for general offenses and fines from AED 500,000 to AED 3,000,000.
If the crime targets a bank, media outlet, or healthcare provider, or is part of a cyberattack, the punishment involves temporary imprisonment and similar hefty fines.
Protection of Government Data
When it comes to government data, the stakes are even higher. Unauthorized handling of confidential government information can result in a minimum of seven years in prison and fines between AED 500,000 and AED 3,000,000. If this breach harms the UAE or compromises the security of critical facilities, the punishment could escalate to ten years in prison and a fine up to AED 5,000,000.
Forging and Hacking Payment Systems
The UAE imposes heavy penalties for cybercrimes involving payment systems, such as cloning credit cards or capturing payment data. These types of crimes are pretty standard. Offenders could face fines ranging from AED 200,000 to AED 2,000,000 and imprisonment. The same penalties apply to anyone using unauthorized payment information to gain access to funds or services.
Conclusion
Whether you’re an individual or a business, staying informed about cybercrime penalties in the UAE is crucial to avoid severe penalties. If you’re facing cyber-related legal issues, seek guidance from a top law firm in Dubai or a reputable Dubai Lawyer to find the best course of action. Remember, in the UAE, ignorance of the law is no defense. Stay informed, stay secure, and if in doubt, seek legal advice.