Sharjah 24: The Criminal Investigation Department of Sharjah Police (SP) warned members of the public against misusing social networking sites, by going against public morals or behaviours that affect others and lead to defamation through abusive expressions such as insults, which harm and damage a person's reputation, honour and social status.

Colonel Omar Ahmed Abu Al Zawd, Director of the Criminal Investigation Department at Sharjah Police (SP), pointed out the need for community members to interact positively and correctly through social networking sites.

He highlighted that the Sharjah Police takes strict measures against people abusing others in any way, as the Criminal Investigation Department dealt during the past year 2022, with 85 insult reports, and 6 defamation reports using information technology, taking all legal measures against these reports.

He clarified that according to Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 regarding combating rumors and cybercrime, Article 43 stipulates the punished by imprisonment and a fine of not less than 250,000 dirhams and not more than 500,000 dirhams, or one of these two penalties, whoever insults others or ascribes to them an incident that would make them subject to punishment or contempt by others, using an information network, an information technology means or an information system.

He called on members of the public to properly use social networking sites and not to use social media platforms to offend others or make offensive comments.