In the UAE, posting a negative Google review is generally considered a legitimate way for consumers to express dissatisfaction with products or services. However, a recent crackdown by Dubai Police—which saw the arrest of individuals involved in an organized campaign to post fake, damaging reviews—serves as a stark reminder that there is a clear legal boundary. According to judicial experts, the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Countering Rumors and Cybercrimes distinguishes between honest consumer feedback and malicious intent. While complaining about a late delivery or poor service is protected, fabricating experiences, resorting to defamation, or participating in paid campaigns to intentionally harm a business’s reputation can lead to severe criminal and civil penalties.

The legal repercussions for crossing this line are significant. Under Article 43 of the Cybercrimes Law, online defamation can result in fines between Dh250,000 and Dh500,000, and potentially jail time. Even more serious are cases involving paid fake-review schemes or the use of automated bots to spread false information, which can trigger fines reaching up to Dh2 million and imprisonment. Furthermore, if a review is used as a tool for extortion—such as threatening a company to gain benefits—or if it violates commercial laws regarding unfair competition, the offender may face additional litigation. Businesses targeted by such campaigns are encouraged to document all suspicious activity, including screenshots and logs, to support potential legal action, as the courts have shown a willingness to impose heavy fines and compensation for demonstrated financial damage.