UAE authorities have issued several important updates in recent days regarding the use of WhatsApp, ranging from banking restrictions to new legal implications for personal chats.

Among the most important updates is the ban on WhatsApp use in banking services that came into effect from May 1.

Under new guidelines, the UAE Central Bank has prohibited financial institutions from using WhatsApp for customer services.

The restrictions cover sharing sensitive financial information, confirming transactions, and sending one-time passwords (OTPs).

The goal of the ban is to protect users from fraud and ensure that financial institutions comply with data privacy laws.

Under the new instructions, banks and payment providers are required to use secure communication channels like mobile apps and call centres.

In a bid to ensure national security and protect personal freedom, the authorities said that private chats are not exempt from the country’s strict cybercrime laws.

Forwarding unverified content, sharing images without consent, or tagging people in defamatory posts can lead to fines of up to Dh500,000 or imprisonment, they warned.

Legal experts emphasise that forwarding a message is considered ‘re-publication’, making users liable under the law.

In a similar vein, the authorities warned that WhatsApp group administrators could be held responsible for any illegal/offensive content shared within their groups.

Under the UAE’s laws, WhatsApp group administrators are responsible for removing illegal messages and removing members who post harmful content.

Any failure to do so could lead to legal consequences, experts warned and added that it’s crucial for admins to respond promptly when they come across prohibited material in their groups.

Legal experts said that WhatsApp messages can be used as court evidence.

They said that in a recent ruling, Dubai’s Court of Cassation stated that WhatsApp messages could be presented in courts as evidence in legal disputes.

Legal experts warned that following the court instructions, users should be cautious with their messages, as they may be produced in court, especially in cases involving personal disputes or financial matters.