Can we file a case against a customer who launched a campaign online against our business reputation?

Hello,

Thank you for your message.

Under UAE law, if a person uses social media or public reviews to falsely incite others against a business, especially with warnings or alerts, this can be considered defamation or cybercrime.

The business can take legal action if the statements are false or misleading and have caused harm to its reputation.

It is advisable to collect all evidence (screenshots, reviews, messages) and consult a legal professional to file a complaint with the relevant authorities.

Let me know if you need help with the next steps.

Best regards,

First, you must keep screenshots or videos where she publicly defamed the company, and confirm that the social media account belongs to her.

In this case, a criminal case should be filed, as she has caused both moral and financial damage to the company.

Hello,

Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.

Based on the details you've shared, it appears the customer’s actions, publicly inciting others against your business via social media and Google reviews, may fall under defamation and cybercrime as defined by UAE law.

Both the UAE Penal Code and Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Cybercrime prohibit the use of digital platforms to damage the reputation of individuals or businesses.

To proceed effectively, I recommend gathering and preserving all relevant evidence (screenshots, URLs, communications, etc.).

From there, we can explore the appropriate legal channels, including filing a criminal complaint with the Cybercrime Division of Dubai Police and assessing the viability of a civil claim for reputational damage.

Please let me know if you would like to schedule a consultation so we can discuss next steps and prepare your case accordingly.

Kind regards,

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry and for providing a detailed explanation of the situation.

Under UAE Cybercrime Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes), what the customer has done may constitute a criminal offense, especially if the social media posts or public reviews include defamatory language, false information, or calls to boycott your business.

Key Legal Points:

Defamation and Harm to Reputation (Article 43): Publicly insulting or damaging the reputation of a company through electronic means (such as Instagram or Google reviews) is punishable by law.

Incitement Against a Business (Article 45): Calling on others to avoid or boycott a business, especially using warning signs or misleading information, may amount to unlawful incitement or cyber defamation.

What You Can Do:

Gather Evidence – Collect all related posts, reviews, and communications from the customer.

File a Complaint – You may submit a criminal complaint to the Dubai Police Cybercrime Division or the relevant authority in your emirate.

Consider Civil Action – If the campaign has led to reputational or financial damage, a civil claim for compensation may also be possible.

We would be happy to assist you with preparing a formal complaint or guiding you through the legal process to protect your business’s rights.

Please let us know if you would like to move forward.

Kind regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for your message.

What you described may constitute defamation and harmful incitement under UAE law, particularly Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrimes.

Publicly inciting others not to deal with a business, especially through social media and warning signs, can be considered a criminal offense if it damages the reputation or commercial interests of the company.

Since you have already made a reasonable effort to resolve the matter, you may now have grounds to take legal action, either civil or criminal.

We recommend booking a consultation with Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy to assess your evidence and guide you on the appropriate next steps, including filing a complaint if needed.

We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.

To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of your situation.

Under UAE law, there are indeed clear legal protections against defamation, reputational harm, and public incitement that may damage a business.

In particular, Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes strictly prohibits the use of online platforms, including Instagram and Google Reviews, to harm the reputation of individuals or companies.

Article 43 of this law criminalizes the act of publishing or spreading information online with the intent to damage the reputation or incite public opinion against a business.

If an influencer or any individual uses their platform to incite others to boycott or defame your company, especially using misleading or defamatory content, you may have strong grounds to initiate a criminal complaint for cyber defamation and possibly a civil claim for damages due to reputational and financial harm.

I recommend addressing this matter swiftly and strategically. I would be happy to assist you in taking the appropriate legal action and guiding you through the complaint process.

Please feel free to reach out to me directly on WhatsApp or phone so we can discuss this matter in more detail and begin addressing it effectively.

Kind regards,

Suhail Rana

Dear questioner

We can file a case against her against defamation. The UAE has very strict laws against defamation, cybercrime, and spreading rumors, especially when it comes to online activities and social media.

What this customer is doing could definitely be subject to legal action. If you need our assistance in filing the case, kindly share your WhatsApp number.

Hello,

This is Fawzia Mohd Lawyers and Legal Consultancy. Thank you for reaching out.

Yes, such public incitation and harm to the reputation of a business is punishable under UAE law, particularly under the Cybercrime Law and the UAE Penal Code.

Using social media platforms to damage a business reputation, post false claims, or incite the public against a business can lead to legal penalties.

We can assist you in taking the necessary legal steps, including filing a complaint and requesting the removal of defamatory content.

For more assistance and proper legal advice, please contact me on WhatsApp.

Yes, you can file a complaint against her and sue her for these comments.

Before that, you can send her a legal notice to remove these comments. If you have any other questions, please contact us by phone.

Incitement to commit a crime is a punishable offense. It may include inciting someone to commit a crime, promoting its commission, or preparing for it.

In most legal systems, incitement is considered a separate offense, and the penalty is similar to the penalty for the offense incited.

This incitement is considered a crime that carries the most severe penalties and fines.

To file a legal claim, you must prove:

- The customer intentionally posted content that contained incitement, defamation, or misleading statements.

- The booking was clearly for a public experience, and the company fulfilled its promise.

- The company offered a reasonable solution (a partial refund), which the customer declined.

- The company suffered actual harm (e.g., decreased bookings, new complaints from followers based on their posts, etc.).

For assistance, please contact us via phone or WhatsApp.