Instagram Post Without Consent Costs Woman $13,600 in Abu Dhabi

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a woman to pay Dh50,000 (approximately $13,600 USD) in compensation for violating another woman’s privacy by publishing her photograph on Instagram without consent. The ruling underscores the increasing legal scrutiny of online privacy and the potential consequences of unauthorized image sharing.

Details of the Case

The Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Cases Court determined that the defendant unlawfully used information technology to publish the image without the claimant’s approval, exceeding the boundaries permitted by law Gulf News.

The claimant initially sought Dh100,000 in compensation, citing material and moral damages, psychological distress, reputational harm, and social embarrassment resulting from the unauthorized publication. The court ultimately awarded Dh50,000, deeming it a fair and proportionate amount given the circumstances.

Prior Criminal Ruling

This civil case followed a previous criminal ruling in which the defendant was convicted of the offense. She was fined Dh50,000, ordered to immediately delete the images, and prohibited from using online networks for three months Gulf News.

Court’s Reasoning

The court emphasized that the defendant’s actions caused demonstrable moral harm by infringing upon the claimant’s privacy and personal dignity. Judges highlighted the potential for significant consequences when posting photos without consent on social media, given the rapid and widespread dissemination of content online.

Growing Concerns Over Online Privacy

This case reflects a broader trend of increased legal protections for online privacy. Authorities in the UAE are increasingly vigilant about protecting individuals from the unauthorized use of their images and personal information on social media platforms Instagram.