Social Media Management Guide Against Cybercrime in the UAE
The prevailing issues of cybercrime in the UAE
Being the social media enthusiasts that we are, and a very active one for that matter, it's quite alarming to hear news after news about the increasing number of individuals getting penalized by the UAE government, because of unwittingly committing a cybercrime.
Most people in social media these days are becoming more and more bold and aggressive in expressing their personal thoughts, opinions and sentiments on certain issues, unmindful of whoever sees it on the newsfeed. We are always in pursuit for our freedom of expression and speech. But you have to understand that not all territories and group of people share the same standards as you do. A simple venting of frustrations for you can sound too harsh or offensive for others. A meaningless image or photo for you may be too revealing for some people. Even what you perceive as simple tagging may develop into an issue of privacy or discrimination, who knows. These things we normally see and unwittingly do on social media can become an act of cybecrime.
The Cyber Crimes Law in the UAE
In a diverse society like the UAE, with a population mainly dominated by foreign nationalities, it is quite probable to witness more people committing mistakes here and there involving morality, religion, race, culture, etc. due to our differences in many aspects. Sadly, ignorance cannot be used as an excuse for committing any crime; therefore it is of utmost importance to educate ourselves about the standards of the UAE, or of any country, on sensitive issues like cybercrime. Respect must be observed at all times, anywhere you go. But you have to have knowledge first, for how can you respect something you know nothing about.
Since there have already been quite a number of articles written to advise social media users about the proper behavior in the social sphere, primarily the UAE, I will be a little more specific this time and dedicate this guide to businesses who manage multiple social media pages daily and are more susceptible to committing cyber crimes.
Here are some of the common practices social media managers do and my advice on how to make sure you do it according to the UAE law, so you can peacefully go on with social media management and not worry about committing any cybercrime:
Guide to Good Social Media Management in the UAE
Responding to private messages
Private Inboxes normally contains confidential information about your customers and even co-workers. Make sure you do not disclose any of this sensitive information to others, or worse, post it for public view.
Creating conversations with the audience
Speak to your audience in a friendly, yet professional manner regardless of how difficult the situation may be. The Cyber Crimes law considers it a punishable to insult others or make them a subject of contempt.
Engaging with potential customers
Although Facebook has a tagging option to get people's attention and make them become aware of your latest announcements, brand update, latest happenings or to a company celebration they were a part of, make sure you have these people's permission. The UAE Cyber Crimes law does not allow tagging people without their consent. For those who are not okay with it, they can use it against you, so you better be careful.
Posting on social media page
Be wary about the images and videos you post on your social media page. The UAE law strongly prohibits posting, displaying, or publishing pictures of others without their consent; as well as publishing materials and activities that may afflict the public morals which include pornographic materials, gambling activities, anything that incites religious hatred and/or that insults religion, among others.
Monitoring competition
It is a given to be fair among your competitions and not give out any negative information or comments that could tarnish the reputation of another person for your personal gain. Make sure to avoid posting defamatory statement, gossips, or the use of images that will invade other people's privacy and may cause damage to their name.
About the Author
WSI Net Power is a digital marketing agency in Dubai specialized in Website Design & Development, SEO, Social Media Management, ORM, Copywriting, and more.
Submitted on: 2015-07-23 00:15:37