Be wary of what you post on Twitter, UAE users told
Staff Report
DUBAI – “Your tweets may still be in breach of the laws of the UAE even if you think they comply with Twitter’s terms,” the country’s telecommunications regulator has warned.
In a series of “white papers” or government reports covering Twitter and other internet services, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) reminded users to be aware of UAE privacy laws when posting content on social media networks. There are approximately 360,000 Twitter users in the UAE.
“The laws of the UAE prohibit the publication of content which is contrary to public morals, the principles of Islam and the social and moral welfare of the UAE, or any content that contains irreverence towards Islam and any other heavenly religions,” according to TRA's report. “The content must also respect the UAE Government, its leadership, political institutions and ultimately the UAE’s cultural heritage and social norms and customs.”
The TRA also prohibits the publication of “direct, specific threats of violence against others”, harassment, and obscene or pornographic images.
“You may post potentially inflammatory content provided you do not breach Twitter’s terms” but not content that is offensive “for a nation or its government”, according to the TRA report.
Users are also not allowed to publish other people’s private information or photos and videos on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube without their consent. Private information could include credit card information, addresses and telephone numbers, social security or national identity numbers.
TRA’s UAE social media “white papers” include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Gmail and Microsoft Outlook.
