Households in UAE restrict photographing their residences due to privacy concerns and personal preferences
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), families and authorities are taking decisive steps to safeguard their homes and online presence from potential privacy breaches and online threats. This collective effort involves a combination of vigilant supervision, parental controls, digital education, legal awareness, and open conversations about online safety.
Hajar Alteneiji, an Emirati mother, is one such example. She is selective about who she allows into her home and does not permit visitors to take photographs of bedrooms or private spaces. Alteneiji has experienced instances where images shared innocently were later misused or sparked damaging rumours, prompting her to take strict measures to protect her family's privacy.
Umm Rashid, another Emirati mother, focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of sharing photos online. She uses stories and animated videos to educate her children about the potential risks, and displays clear digital safety rules at home to foster a culture of reporting concerns. Rashid encourages regular family discussions on online safety, using games and storytelling as teaching tools.
Mohammed Saqr Al Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for support services at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre), emphasizes the importance of educating domestic workers and family members about the dangers of photographing valuable household items or family members and posting them online. Al Nuaimi calls on everyone to be responsible when posting photos on social media "to ensure a safe digital environment that protects privacy and prevents any potential problems or issues."
Families across the UAE are also taking steps to limit their children's screen time. Hajar Alteneiji, for instance, is vigilant about her children's digital habits and has taken steps to restrict their screen time.
Authorities in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi stress the importance of hygiene around electronic transactions. They recommend using secure websites, prepaid cards, and caution against suspicious links and in-game purchases that may lead to financial fraud or data theft.
Legal frameworks support these efforts. For instance, Article 6 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 states that unauthorised handling of personal electronic data can result in a minimum of six months in prison and fines between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000. Penalties are higher for sensitive data such as banking details or medical records. Violations of personal privacy fall under this decree, with penalties including imprisonment and fines, as stated by legal advisor Abdulrahman Al Nabhan.
Resources like Dubai Police’s educational e-platform and reporting channels provide families with accessible information and the ability to report suspected online crimes. These measures, combined with technical tools like parental controls and monitoring software, aim to collectively safeguard UAE families from online threats and privacy breaches.
- In the realm of social media, Mohammed Saqr Al Nuaimi advises careful posting to maintain a secure digital environment.
- Aside from home privacy, families in the UAE are attentive to financial safety during electronic transactions, with authorities encouraging secure websites, prepaid cards, and avoidance of suspicious links.
- Beyond online privacy and financial safety, entertainment in the UAE also includes various games, sports, news, and environmental programs that captivate audiences.
- In response to the digital age, the education system in the UAE incorporates digital literacy to equip children with knowledge about online safety and responsible technology usage.
- Travel and technology go hand in hand as tourists in the UAE depend on technology for navigation, communication, and information about tourist destinations.
- Health and wellness information is a significant part of the news sector in the UAE, with trusted sources providing updates about various health issues, fitness tips, and wellness trends.
