Responsible use of social media

As a University of Birmingham Dubai student, it is essential that you understand and follow the guidelines for the use of social media in the UAE. This applies not only to international and exchange students joining from the UK campus, but also to students who have lived in the UAE previously.

All online activity must comply with UAE laws, which regulate the use of social media to promote respectful, responsible, and culturally sensitive communication. Sharing offensive, disrespectful, or misleading content, even unintentionally, can have serious legal consequences. We therefore expect all students to act with integrity online, reflecting the values of both the University and the UAE.

By using social media responsibly, you help to maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive online environment, while also protecting yourself and others. If you are unsure about what is considered acceptable, guidance is available, and we encourage you to seek advice before posting or sharing content and becoming aware of the government guidelines.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE issued 'The UAE Social Media White Papers' to create awareness about rights and obligations while using social media.

Some of the acts that could be a criminal offence are:

• tagging a person without their consent
• posting other people's pictures or videos without their consent
• threatening people
• spreading information that is not verified by the official sources
• gossiping about people or maligning them

In addition, students should note the following guidelines:

Defamation

• Do: Make sure the information you share online does not hurt or defame an individual.
• Remember: Posting defamatory comments about other people on social media or publishing information that intrudes on a person’s privacy is considered an offence as per Article 372.

Photographs

• Do: Always ask for permission (in writing), before sharing others’ images on social platforms. Failure to do so is considered an offence.
• Remember: As per the Cyber Crimes Law, clicking and sharing pictures of individuals without their consent would be an invasion of their privacy. Besides, the Federal Law No. 3 of 1987 also states that it is offensive to share pictures of others without their consent. It is best to have mutual agreement before sharing pictures.

Morality

• Do: Always publish posts and photos with others’ sentiments in mind. It is best to be respectful of other nationalities, religious beliefs and to display tolerance.
• Remember: To steer away from posting images or information that disrespects the nation, mock religions, or beliefs. Articles 360-370 outline these offences.

Confidentiality

• Do: Be respectful of any confidential information shared with you. Information pertaining to a company’s financial turnover or employee list can be confidential and should not be shared on social platforms.
• Remember: To not probe or engage in conversations that would lead to a breach of confidentiality. Violation can result in temporary imprisonment as well as a fine.

Offenders could become liable to a jail term or fine as stipulated by the law/as awarded by the competent courts.