Swearing on Whatsapp in the UAE could cost you a huge fine, jail time or deportation

Do you swear on Whatsapp? Do you live in the UAE? Then you’d better stop. A new federal law governing internet users says that using cuss words on the messaging app could cost you a Dh250,000 ($68,000 approx) fine and jail time.

You’d better be wary if you’re a foreigner visiting the country too — because the same law allows the UAE to deport you in case you use the ‘f word’ on Whatsapp on their soil.

An Emirates247 report says the Federal Supreme Court overturned two lower court sentences fining a man Dh3,000 after he was convicted of swearing at another on WhatsApp.

But overturning in this case didn’t mean acquittal. In fact the Federal Supreme Court “supported an appeal by the prosecutor who argued that the sentence was too lenient and did not conform to the new laws that include a penalty of Dh250,000 or imprisonment for persons involved in online offences.”

An Independent report quotes another UAE daily as reporting that the Court went on to affirm the need for “enforcement of the law governing information technology crimes”. This includes the said Dh250,000 fine and of deportation from the country.

So, the next time you’re on top of a tall building in the UAE, restrain yourself in expressing your feelings on Whatsapp.