A prominent social media influencer in the United Arab Emirates has initiated a significant legal battle against two massage centers for unauthorized use of her photographs, marking a pivotal moment in digital rights protection within the region. The Indian expatriate, a licensed content creator with over 100,000 followers, discovered her images had been appropriated by the establishments and paired with derogatory captions on their social media platforms.
The case gained momentum when Yab Legal Services, led by CEO Salam Pappinissery, took on the matter pro bono after the influencer faced financial barriers in pursuing justice. Pappinissery emphasized the importance of challenging digital harassment: ‘Women residing alone in the UAE frequently hesitate to confront social media targeting due to fear of reprisal. This case establishes a crucial precedent for combating injustice rather than retreating in fear.’
Ajman Police, acting through the Ajman Public Prosecution, registered a criminal case and subsequently arrested the accused parties following a thorough investigation. Legal proceedings are currently active, demonstrating the UAE’s stringent approach to online defamation.
This incident highlights the serious consequences of digital misconduct under UAE law. The Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021, as amended by Law No. 5 of 2024, prescribes severe penalties for online defamation, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh500,000. These measures are particularly stringent when violations involve public officials or widely followed accounts.
The UAE authorities recently reinforced their stance on digital behavior, issuing explicit warnings against posting or engaging with negative, abusive, or defamatory content across all media formats. This case emerges as a practical application of these legal frameworks, potentially influencing future digital rights enforcement in the region.