How to address a damaging Google review and online defamation?

Dear Client,

Thanks for your question! I hope you are doing well. I will assist you in this matter.

To address the damaging online reviews affecting your small pet shop business in Dubai, consider taking several steps:

First, try to communicate with the customer who posted the review. Attempt to understand their concerns and see if you can resolve any misunderstandings or issues amicably.

Second, on online review platforms like Google, you can report the review if it violates the platform's guidelines, especially if it contains false information or violates their policies.

Third, if the negative review is causing substantial harm to your business and reputation, consult with us. UAE defamation laws may provide you with legal options to address false statements that harm your business.

Ensure you have evidence, such as CCTV footage, records of positive interactions, and any threatening voicemail, to support your case.

For any further legal assistance, you can WhatsApp us. We have an extensive team of knowledgeable and experienced lawyers to provide the legal assistance you need.

We will be happy to help you.

Thanks & Regards,

ABDUL WAHIED

Hello,

As per your concern, here are the rules in UAE as of now: as per the UAE regulations, this is "criticism", and that implies harming the standing of an individual via distributing false proclamations about him, for example, maligning.

The Government Announcement Regulation No. 31 of 2021, that is to say, the UAE Corrective Code, obviously states, under Article 425, that any individual who affronts someone else via ascription of a reality openly, in this manner bringing about discipline or hatred towards that individual, will be rebuffed with either a prison sentence of around 2 years, or a fine of very nearly 20,000 dirhams.

This suggests that assuming somebody harmed the standing of you or your organization by posting bogus pessimistic surveys, whether on your organization site or any web-based entertainment stage, you can welcome an activity against that individual because of criticism.

To demonstrate slander, you should have the option to show that due to the survey posted by such an individual against your administration, you have experienced possible harm, for example, you can't get clients any longer, and your current clients have additionally prevented getting administrations from you, bringing about monetary misfortune to your organization as well as mental trouble to you.

Nonetheless, it should be remembered that the survey made by such an individual should be misleading; assuming there was really a need on your part, or you didn't convey as per the sensible assumptions for the client, the survey won't add up to maligning.

Cybercrime Regulation: You can likewise sue such an individual under Article 52 of Government Announcement Regulation No. 34 of 2021, the UAE Cybercrime Regulation.

Dear Questioner,

As per UAE Law, defamatory remarks made on social media or by any other digital means (including WhatsApp, TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, websites, SMS, and email) may be an offense under the new Cybercrimes Law.

Under Article 43 of the Cybercrimes Law, it is an offense to insult others or attribute to them an incident that may make them subject to punishment or contempt by others using a computer network or any information technology means, carrying a penalty of a prison sentence and/or a fine of AED 250,000 – AED 500,000.

Dear Questioner,

I hope this message finds you well!

Thank you for reaching out regarding the concerning situation with the defamatory review affecting your pet shop business. I understand the impact such incidents can have on a small business, especially in a close-knit community.

Based on the information you provided, it's crucial to address this matter promptly and strategically. Here are the initial steps you may consider:

- Document the Evidence:

Ensure you have gathered and stored all relevant evidence, including the CCTV footage of the customer expressing satisfaction after the grooming service, any receipts, and the threatening voicemail. These will be valuable in building your case.

- Consultation:

I recommend scheduling a consultation to discuss the details of your case further. During this session, we can review the evidence in more depth and explore the best legal avenues available to address this issue.

- Cease and Desist Letter:

Depending on our discussion, we may consider sending a cease and desist letter to the individual involved. This formal communication can request the removal of the defamatory content and may serve as a preliminary step before pursuing legal action.

- Legal Recourse:

If necessary, we can explore legal avenues such as filing a defamation lawsuit. It's important to assess the potential impact on your business and reputation and decide on the most appropriate course of action.

To discuss your case in detail and determine the most effective approach, please feel free to contact me via WhatsApp or phone. I am here to assist you and provide the guidance needed to protect your business.

Dear Questioner,

Consider initiating a defamation lawsuit to claim damages for harm to the shop's reputation and seek injunctive relief for the removal of defamatory content.

Alternatively, exploring negotiation or mediation may offer expedited and cost-effective resolutions. If the conduct breaches UAE laws, criminal complaints like cybercrime or misuse of electronic communication complaints can be pursued.

Crucial factors to weigh include the severity of defamation, the strength of evidence, and the costs and time involved in legal actions.