Students in the UAE may face legal action for sharing photos on social media

Los schools of United Arab Emirates They have asked the students to Do not take pictures and share them in the social networksas this violates the laws of privacy of the country.

With the start of the new academic year, UAE schools have placed emphasis on serious consequences of violating privacy laws. They have warned parents to educate their children on the importance of not taking and share photos at school without permission prior, since such actions may result in strict sanctions according to the laws of the country.

Some schools have made it mandatory for students to wear pills and laptops to facilitate learning, but prohibit the phones mobiles and tablets with SIM cards. More than a million of students returned to school for the new academic year on August 26 after the summer break.

“We conduct detailed sessions for the entire personal and students, covering UAE protection and law on the use of social media, with particular reference to the cybersecurity. We also cover the cultural sensitivitiessocial privacy and the consentas well as content related to the defamation and the personal well-being of all involved,” explained Gems Cambridge International Private School – Sharjah CEO and Senior Vice President of Education at Gems Education, Ranju Anand.

He said that cybersecurity-related assemblies are a standard at the beginning of each year and an integral part of their curriculum Computer Science. She added that parents find cybersecurity meetings very useful as they “help them find a balanced approach for their children in terms of what to do, what not to do and what not to do in absolute“.

“We recommend that students do not take photos at school and we limit the use of devices to be used solely as tool of learning under the supervision from staff. Students are reminded to respect UAE laws on this issue and we make them aware of the consequences, sharing examples from real life to help illustrate the importance of following the rules,” he added.

Meanwhile, the deputy director of the academy and designated safeguarding officer of Gems Wellington Academy in Silicon Oasis, Claire Smithnoted that the school held assemblies protection for years 7, 8 and 10, with a particular focus on the digital security and UAE law.

“This information is crucial, especially for our new students who come from other countries where there may be laws different. It also serves as a important reminder for all students.”

What does UAE law say?

Under UAE privacy law, students could be taken to the courts for taking and sharing photographs of others without their consent on social media.

The court may impose judicial measuressuch as parole or community servicein line with the rehabilitative approach of the UAE juvenile justice system. In addition, the Public Prosecutor’s Office may impose administrative measures on minors, such as supervision by a guardian, social duties and electronic monitoring.

Although students could face legal action for their direct involvement, liability for sharing photos can extend to students as well. parents already to schools.

“Article 313(1-a) of the UAE Civil Transactions Law states that parents or guardians are economically liable if the infringement is the result of a insufficient supervision“said Galadari Advocates and Legal Consultants Senior Associate, Abdul Majeed Al Sweedy.

“Schools are also liable under UAE law if the violation occurs due to a inadequate supervision during school activities. It is the school’s responsibility to maintain a safe environment y prevent these types of incidents. Both parents and the school may share responsibility if the violation occurs under their supervision,” Al Sweedy added.

Emirati legislation takes the following very seriously: violations privacy, particularly in the context of digital platforms such as social media. According to Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumors and electronic crimes, it is illegal share personal dataincluding photographs or videos, without the consent of the person involved.

Al Sweedy warned that this law applies to everyone, including teenagers and students. “The legislation is designed to protect people’s privacy from recordingunauthorized sharing or dissemination of your information or personal images. Therefore, teens need to understand that sharing content without permission can have serious legal consequences.”

Al Sweedy further explained that UAE legislation is generally “lenient with minors and focuses on the rehabilitation and education instead of in the severe punishments“He said teenagers could be taken to court for sharing photos of others without permission.

According to Article 44 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, sharing photographs or personal data without authorization is considered a violation of privacy and is subject to severe penalties. However, in the case of minors, in accordance with the rehabilitative approach of the system In the UAE juvenile justice system, the court may impose judicial measures alternatives, such as probation or community service, focusing on reform rather than punitive actions.

In explaining Federal Law No. 6 of 2022 on Juvenile Delinquents and Minors at Risk, the lawyer pointed out that minors who commit crimesincluding privacy violations, are often subject to judicial measures that emphasize the actions corrective and of support.

Under UAE law, the Public Prosecutor’s Office may impose administrative measures on minors who have not reached the age of majority, if necessary. These measures include supervision by a guardian, social obligations, electronic surveillance and, in severe cases, referral to specialized institutions. The objective is to rehabilitate and prevent futures crimes through education and counselling.

For minors aged 12 to 16, the court applies judicial measures such as probation instead of criminal sanctions. Probation involves a period of supervision and, if successfully completed, the case is disregard. Otherwise, the juvenile is tried again. Other measures may include community service, vocational training or internment in a juvenile center.

In the case of minors between 16 and 18 years of age, the court may impose a criminal sanction or a judicial measure. Although it is generally avoid prison, can be replaced by a reduced prison sentence served in a juvenile institution until the minor turns 18, after which the remaining sentence is carried out in a penal institution.

Criminal agreements are possible by minor crimes or misdemeanors, provided that the prison sentence does not exceed one year and the minor does not have background penalties.