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ABU DHABI / WAM
The Abu Dhabi Centre for Community and Legal Awareness, “Masouliya,” at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD), has launched an awareness campaign to address the growing threat of cyber extortion. The campaign aims to educate various segments of society about the risks associated with this crime, fostering protection and prevention measures, especially in light of the widespread use of social media.
The two-month campaign aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of ADJD, to promote legal culture among members of the community to maintain security and stability.
The campaign aims to familiarise individuals with the main precautions that should be taken when dealing with the internet in order to ensure safe use of various technological tools.
Moreover, the campaign highlights the risks of cybercrime, the legal consequences, and the factors that contribute to individuals becoming victims of electronic extortion due to the misuse of social networking sites.
A particular focus is on raising awareness among parents about the importance of monitoring their children to safeguard them from extortion crimes and prevent their involvement as either victims or suspects.
The campaign emphasises the legal responsibility arising from such actions in accordance with prevailing legislation and laws in the country.
In pursuit of these awareness objectives, the campaign includes organising various events aimed at raising awareness among different segments of society, as well as disseminating various educational materials through various print, audio-visual, and social media platforms.
It is worth noting that Article 42 of Federal Decree-Law No 34 of 2021 on combating rumors and cybercrimes stipulates that anyone who extorts or threatens another person to perform an act or refrain from it using an information network or any information technology means shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years and a fine of not less than AED250,000 and not exceeding AED500,000, or one of these penalties.
The punishment is increased to a maximum of ten years imprisonment if the threat is to commit a crime or to attribute dishonorable or disrespectful acts, accompanied by an explicit or implied request to perform or refrain from an act.