When Iranian missile attacks began hitting the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, cybercrime laws suddenly loomed large. The conflict online wasn't just about false news and misleading videos; it was also about sharing a screenshot.

The UAE’s Article 52 of its cybercrime law criminalises using the internet to spread false information or material that could disturb public peace during crises. This means simple acts like forwarding a screenshot can land you in serious trouble, with penalties doubling in emergencies.

Legal expert Ahmed Elnaggar explains that content shared during emergencies is assessed for both accuracy and its potential impact on stability, security, and public perception. Even private conversations can become regulated media if they are disclosed without consent or context.

The law does not distinguish between formal publication and informal sharing; the act of disclosure alone carries legal consequences. Whether you forward a message in a private group or post it publicly, the responsibility is on the distributor. In regions where social media platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram reign supreme, this can have significant implications during fast-moving events.

During conflict, even filming security-related activity without posting it anywhere can bring severe penalties under the penal code, potentially leading to deportation for foreign nationals.