Could one face legal action for taking a photo without consent, and what to do now?

No problem has happened yet for you to worry about it.

Dear Client,

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

Taking photos without consent in the UAE can result in severe legal penalties, including fines up to AED 500,000 and potential imprisonment.

Your friend's immediate deletion of the photo was a good first step in mitigating potential legal issues.

Advise your friend to be prepared to cooperate fully if contacted by authorities and consult with us if concerned.

Respect local privacy laws and avoid taking unauthorized photographs in the future.

For any further discussion, 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

If your friend immediately deletes the photo and shows goodwill, the incident is likely over.

However, since the person took a photo of your friend’s face and contact details, it is important that you are prepared for any potential legal action.

If you are concerned about a potential complaint, you can visit your nearest police station in the UAE to file an initial report outlining the incident from your perspective.

If there is no formal complaint within the next few days, it is likely that the person has not taken any legal action.

If you receive a summons from the police or prosecution, respond immediately and give your full account, supported by any evidence or witnesses.

We understand your concerns. If possible, try to communicate with the individual and apologize for the incident.

Explain that the photo was taken without malicious intent and that it has been deleted. Express your willingness to resolve the matter amicably.

Since 24 hours have passed and you didn't receive any call from police, there is less chance to file a complaint.

If you need further clarification or assistance to check with the police, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for reaching out to us with your concerns regarding the incident involving your friend in the UAE.

We understand how troubling this situation can be, and we’re happy to provide you with some guidance.

In the UAE, privacy is a significant legal concern, and there are laws in place to protect individuals from having their images taken without consent, especially when it involves local citizens.

However, based on the details you've shared, here’s what we understand:

1. Photographing a Local Person Without Consent:

Your friend taking a photo of a local person without permission could understandably cause offense, but since your friend deleted the image as requested by the individual, it is unlikely that this part of the incident will lead to legal consequences, assuming there were no further aggressive actions involved.

2. The Other Person Taking Your Friend’s Picture:

The individual taking a photo of your friend in return doesn’t, in itself, constitute a violation of the law unless it is done maliciously or in a harmful manner (e.g., sharing the image without consent).

In public spaces, photography of people is generally allowed, though privacy laws do apply if images are shared or used inappropriately.

3. Legal Concerns and Contact Information:

Taking your friend's contact details and photograph may not necessarily be an issue unless it leads to harassment or other malicious actions.

However, if the individual decides to use your friend's contact information inappropriately or continues to make threats, this could potentially escalate.

4. What You Can Do:

- Stay Calm: Given that 24 hours have passed without further escalation, it seems unlikely that the situation will lead to legal action at this point.

- Consider Legal Advice: If you’re still concerned, we recommend consulting with us as lawyer who specializes in UAE law. We can provide clarity and help ensure your friend’s rights are protected moving forward.

- Cooperation and Caution: If the person reaches out again, we recommend remaining polite and cooperative. If they continue to harass or make threats, it might be appropriate to consult authorities.

In conclusion, it seems unlikely that your friend will face significant legal consequences, especially since the photo was deleted promptly and the matter appears to have been resolved.

However, seeking professional legal advice from a local expert is always a good precaution, especially to fully understand your options.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need additional assistance.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Up until now, there has been no crime.

In your case, since your friend deleted the picture immediately in front of the upset individual, this shows good intent.

However, if you're concerned about any potential legal action, it’s best to consult with the relevant authorities

You can send more details via WhatsApp, and we specialize in such cases and are ready to provide the necessary legal support.

Thank you for reaching out regarding this situation!

In the UAE, taking photos of individuals without their consent can indeed lead to legal consequences, as it may be considered a breach of privacy under local laws, especially if the individual feels offended or violated.

It's good that your friend promptly deleted the photo when asked, which shows goodwill and a willingness to resolve the matter amicably.

Since it's been 24 hours with no further communication or legal action, it's possible the matter may not escalate.

However, to mitigate any potential risk, your friend should avoid further contact with the individual and ensure they comply with local privacy laws moving forward.

If you or your friend receive any communication regarding this matter, I strongly recommend seeking legal advice immediately to handle the situation properly.

Feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp or phone at [---------] to discuss this further and explore the best course of action.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana

Don't worry, the image has already been erased.

If you have any other inquiries, contact us at our phone number: [--------].

It is illegal under UAE law. He may receive fines for it.