Almost everyone in the UAE has an Internet connection, but not everyone knows how to use it right. Thanks to the obsession with selfie, some have landed in jail for posting photos of people without their consent.
One of the things UAE expats must not share on social media are photos of their employer’s children.
Technically, it is not illegal to share these photos online. The thin line that separates what is illegal or not is consent.
In the UAE, those who are caught filming children without the consent of their parents may face fine ranging from Dh150,000 (Php2,170,918) to Dh500,000 (Php 7,236,394).
The violator will also face jailterm of at least six months, depending on the degree of the offense.
The intent behind posting the photo is also not considered. Even if the photo is as innocent as a selfie, uploading children’s photos is considered as breaching of their privacy especially due to their inability to give consent for themselves.
The law also covers filming of children in public areas such as parks, malls, etc.
