Authorities in Sharjah have issued a stern warning to residents about the serious legal consequences of spreading unverified information and rumours on social media platforms. Sharjah Police emphasized that individuals found sharing false content could face at least one year in prison and fines starting at Dh100,000, according to UAE legislation.

In a recently released awareness video, Sharjah Police Headquarters illustrated how quickly misleading or outdated material can circulate online, potentially causing unnecessary panic among the public. The video included examples such as the circulation of old or fabricated images and videos depicting industrial fires, which are often shared widely on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram without verification.

Major Saud Al Shaiba, Director of the Awareness Branch at Sharjah Police, underscored the impact a single unverified message can have, stating that it may generate anxiety for hundreds of people. He stressed that sharing false information not only disturbs public order but can also undermine social stability by fostering fear based on inaccurate claims.

The police reminded citizens that the publication or dissemination of false news and rumours via electronic channels is punishable under Article 52 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. This legal framework targets the use of online platforms to broadcast or republish misleading content and aims to curb the spread of misinformation in the digital space.

Sharjah authorities continue to encourage the public to verify the authenticity of news before sharing it and to rely on official sources to prevent causing unwarranted alarm or distress within the community.