UAE influencer fined AED 81,000 for defamatory video against restaurant

An Abu Dhabi court has ordered a social media influencer to pay a total of AED 81,000 for posting a video targeting a well-known restaurant. The case highlights the legal boundary between consumer reviews and online defamation.

According to the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department, the influencer filmed the restaurant and shared the footage on their personal account, making statements that the owner claimed caused significant damage to both his personal and business reputation.

During the investigation, the defendant admitted to recording and posting the video but argued it was intended as criticism. However, judicial authorities ruled that the content exceeded the limits of reviewing services or products, constituting direct insults and an attack on the individual's reputation.

The court found the defendant guilty and imposed a fine of AED 30,000. Additionally, the court ordered the deletion of the video and the confiscation of the mobile phone used to create and share the content.

In the civil aspect of the case, the court awarded the plaintiff AED 51,000 in temporary civil compensation, bringing the total financial penalty for the influencer to AED 81,000.

The Abu Dhabi court emphasized that while social media users have the right to express opinions on products and services, this does not extend to damaging reputations, making false accusations, or using offensive language. The court warned that online content harming the honor or standing of individuals and businesses can lead to both criminal and civil penalties.

The ruling serves as a reminder to content creators in the UAE that public criticism, even when framed as a customer experience, must remain factual, professional, and free from personal attacks.