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Can I file a case against a friend for privacy breach if he claimed I scolded him for his act?

On Jan 2, 2025, one of my close friends did a privacy breach and recorded me and my van in some specific place.

On Feb 5, when I called and asked him why he did this to me, he went and gave a complaint that I scolded him and threatened him.

The same case was later closed by the PP when we negotiated outside the station and apologized.

At this juncture, can I file a privacy breach case against him, which happened on Jan 2, 2025, and on Feb 5 I scolded him only for the privacy breach that happened on Jan 2?

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Hend Humaid Alnuaimi Advocates & Legal Consultants
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18 Mar 2025, 07:24

Yes, you can potentially file a privacy breach case against him for the incident that occurred on January 2nd.

However, consider consulting with legal counsel for guidance based on local laws and circumstances surrounding previous complaints.

Please contact us by phone or via email.

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Al Fahad Legal Consulting
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18 Mar 2025, 07:27

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry.

Based on the details you provided, here’s a legal overview of your situation:

Privacy Breach (Recording without Consent): Under UAE law, specifically UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 2012 on Cybercrimes, recording an individual without their consent, especially in a private setting, is considered a violation of privacy and can result in criminal penalties.

If your friend recorded you on January 2, 2025, without your consent, this could be grounds for a legal claim.

Statute of Limitations: Generally, UAE law allows for a one-year statute of limitations for filing complaints related to privacy violations.

This means that you have one year from January 2, 2025, to file a complaint for the privacy breach. As long as you act within this time frame, you will be able to pursue the matter legally.

The Incident on February 5, 2025: Your reaction on February 5, 2025, in scolding your friend over the privacy breach, seems to have been in response to the breach from January.

Since the case involving your friend was later closed after the negotiation and apology, this should not affect your ability to file a separate complaint for the privacy breach.

Steps You Can Take:

File a Privacy Breach Complaint: You can file a formal complaint with the police or the Cybercrime Department for the recording made without your consent on January 2, 2025.

Provide any available evidence of the recording, including communications or other documentation, to support your claim.

Separate the Cases: The earlier complaint filed by your friend regarding scolding and threats, which was resolved after your apology, will not affect your ability to pursue a separate legal claim for the privacy breach.

It is important to address the privacy breach as a distinct matter.

Please let me know how you wish to proceed, and I will be happy to guide you further through the process.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

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Al Kayaan Advocates and Legal Consultants
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18 Mar 2025, 07:29

Hello,

As per your query, please note that you can open a privacy breach case if your rights of privacy are hampered with proper evidence, and you can pursue a police complaint.

Please contact us by email or call.

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Future Vision Advocates Legal Consultancy
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18 Mar 2025, 07:38

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out.

Based on your description, you may have grounds for a privacy breach claim regarding the recording on January 2nd, 2025.

However, the incident on February 5th—where you confronted your friend—could complicate matters, especially since it led to a complaint that was later resolved.

The interplay between these events needs careful review to determine your legal standing.

I recommend scheduling a consultation so we can examine all the details and advise you on the best course of action. You can easily book an appointment through our website or contact our office directly.

Best regards,

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Fawzia Mohammad Lawyers & Legal Consultancy
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18 Mar 2025, 07:53

Hello,

I hope you are well.

According to UAE law, a privacy breach is a criminal offense and can result in imprisonment or a fine. If your friend recorded you without consent on January 2nd, he is liable for a privacy breach.

However, the incident on February 5th may not be relevant. The statute of limitations for filing a criminal case is 3 years, so if you wish to take action, you must do so within that time.

To give you the best advice, would you like to book a meeting with us?

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Sara Alsaedi Advocates and Legal Consultants
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18 Mar 2025, 07:57

Have a pleasant day ahead,

Based on the situation you’ve described, it’s possible to pursue a privacy breach case for the incident that occurred on January 2nd, 2025.

The breach of privacy, where your recording was made without consent, could be considered an infringement of your personal privacy rights.

However, since you and your friend later reached an agreement and resolved the matter outside of the police station in February, this could complicate the situation, especially if any formal complaints or agreements were made during that negotiation.

It’s important to note that, while the scolding on February 5th was in response to the privacy breach, it doesn't necessarily justify or absolve the original breach.

Best Regards,

Sara Al Saedi Advocates and Legal Consultants

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Rashid Khalil Obaid Advocates and Legal Consultancy
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18 Mar 2025, 08:13

To file a privacy breach case, you'll need to provide evidence that your friend recorded you and your van without your consent.

While your actions may be considered by the authorities, they do not automatically invalidate your right to file a privacy breach complaint.

The two incidents are separate legal matters. The fact that you scolded him later does not negate the fact that he may have breached your privacy.

We will let you know the possibilities in detail. Kindly share your WhatsApp number to discuss this further.

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Fatema Almheiri Advocates & Legal Consultants
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18 Mar 2025, 08:36

According to UAE law, it is possible to file a privacy breach case against your friend for recording you without your consent on Jan 2nd, 2025.

However, it is important to note that the case may be affected by the fact that you scolded and threatened your friend on Feb 5th.

This may be seen as a form of retaliation and could weaken your case.

Kindly text me on WhatsApp for further discussion.

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