Use Of Insultive Language On WhatsApp Message Now Carries A Fine Of £45,000

Britons in Dubai should be VERY careful about what they send using popular messaging service, WhatsApp. New legislation – which will reportedly apply to residents as well as British holidaymakers, movie stars and footballers living in Dubai – could land offenders in PRISON.

Maximum fines of up to Dh250,000 (some £45,000) can be issued to those who use swearwords online.

Expatriates might face deportation from the United Arab Emirates under the new federal law which governs online users.

According to news website Emarat Al Youm, one man is already facing the maximum fine for swearing in a message on WhatsApp.

The local man – who has not been named – was first slapped with a fine of Dh3,000 (around £500) before his sentence was thrown out by the Federal Supreme Court for being too lenient.

The Federal Supreme Court sided with the prosecutor and demanded a retrial of the WhatsApp offender.

Both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are not part of the Federal Judicial System. Instead, they have their own court systems which are not subject to the Federal Supreme Court.

Local news site Emarat Al Youm daily quotes: "FSC supported the prosecutor’s appeal and affirmed the need for the enforcement of the law governing information technology crimes involving a Dh250,000 fine and deportation from the country."

UK Express