ARTICLE
14 October 2020

What Are The Updates On Cybercrime Law In UAE During COVID 19?

AM
Dr Hassan Elhais

Contributor

Dr. Elhais, with his vast legal expertise spanning family, arbitration, banking, commercial, company, criminal, inheritance, labour, and maritime law, is dedicated to providing top-tier legal solutions. As an integral member of the team at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy in Dubai, he contributes to the firm's mission of delivering comprehensive legal counsel across the UAE. The team, as a whole, is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality, and discretion. Initially making his mark in criminal and public law, Dr. Hassan made the decision to move to Dubai in 2006, marking a significant step in his legal career. Since joining Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultancy, he has been an active contributor to the firm's growth and reputation. Dr. Hassan is known for his dedication to transparency in legal dealings and fee structures, a reflection of his solid ethical values.
Global pandemic has left the whole society and economy vulnerable in all aspects around the globe.
United Arab Emirates Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Global pandemic has left the whole society and economy vulnerable in all aspects around the globe. Legal Consultants of Dubai have observed numerous changes in the laws and regulations throughout the pandemic situation and has implemented several measures to prevent its further spread. One of such sector is cybercrime law which has seen some changes during COVID-19 in UAE which will be the topic for discussion under this article.

The cybercrime department, police authorities and other relevant authorities are in a rigid situation to investigate and control serious and cybercrime offenses, considering the use of vast technology during the pandemic to ensure the safety of residents in the country.

Cybercriminals are exploiting the channels for global communications and online international transactions to commit such crimes. Malware, spyware and Trojans have been discovered implanted in several websites or websites providing information on coronavirus. Spam messages are likewise fooling clients into tapping on joins which download malware to their PCs or cell phones which assist the criminals in extracting confidential information and commit such cybercrimes.

In a recent update, it has been lately discovered that cyber criminals are approaching hospitals or health facilities and employees or employers working from home and conducting online businesses. It is important for healthcare facilities to seek confidential information of all the patients and maintain standard records of such information more than ever in this global pandemic and increased health issues.

The major concern the government is facing right now is this data being hacked by cyber criminals causing undesirable results or situations. Hospitals data and technological devices are not as secured or safeguarded as that of banks and thus are prone to be easily hacked. It is always advised by the Criminal Lawyers of Dubai to be aware of such spam emails and viruses which can cause serious issues and made lead to lose of significant amount of data.

Although, the government has recently amended the Cybercrime law by virtue of Federal Law number 2 of 2018 entailing stricter punishments or penalties for those who try to violate the provision of this foregoing law. It is obviously a relief for UAE government that the cybercrime law is strong enough to work as a deterrent for all residents involved in cybercrime activities and can assist the authorities and ensuring safety especially in corona situation.

In furtherance with the new amendment in the Cybercrime law, it is vital for all the residents in UAE to be aware of the companies who use internet modes to publish any illegal or offense material on their portal or promote any sort of illegal activities or is related to any terrorist organization as the punishment under the new law may reach up to 25 years along with significant fines to be paid to the court authorities, if found guilty.

The court has also been empowered to issue deportation orders, as they may deem fit. In any event, if you find yourself in any critical cybercrime situation, the primary step is to approach the Criminal Lawyers in Dubai to comprehend the situation as fast as possible.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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