UAE Influencer Fined Over Defamatory Video
A social media post became defamation, leading to fines, compensation, and video removal.
As part of its ongoing awareness campaigns to promote legal culture and help the public understand the law, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has released a story-based awareness video titled “A Brief Video… A Costly Price” as part of its “Stories and Lessons” series. The aim is simple: show people the legal consequences of everyday actions through a real-life-inspired story.
In a world full of social media screens, some people think posting online is just free speech. But the law draws a clear line between fair criticism meant to improve things and defamation that harms a business reputation.
The case started when a social media influencer pointed her phone camera at a well-known restaurant. Instead of reviewing the food or service, she shared comments that attacked the owner and the way he managed the place.
The restaurant owner did not ignore the matter. He filed an official complaint with the authorities, saying the video went beyond fair comment and caused serious moral and financial damage to the reputation he had built over many years.
When she was called in and shown the recording, the defendant admitted during the initial investigation and the Public Prosecution inquiry that she had filmed the restaurant and posted the video on her personal account. She said it was only “criticism”, but investigators found that the language used was not objective review. It was direct insult and defamation through technology, because it targeted the person and his character, not the service or product itself.
After the case went to court, the defendant was fined Dh30,000. The court also ordered the removal of the offensive video and the confiscation of the mobile phone used in the incident as a crime tool. The case did not stop at the criminal penalty. The court also ordered her to pay Dh51,000 in temporary civil compensation to the victim. In total, that one online moment cost Dh81,000, sending a clear message: insulting others online is not something to publish.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.