SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM ACCOUNTABILITY: HOW UAE LAW ADDRESSES MISLEADING CONTENT AND PLATFORM RESPONSIBILITY

Social media has radically changed how people communicate; however, in the digital era, the risk of disseminating misleading and potentially destructive content has increased. Since misinformation poses a threat to civil liberties, consumer protection, and national security, governments worldwide are reviewing platforms' accountability. The paper critically examines how the United Arab Emirates (UAE) addresses misleading content within its regulatory framework and on platforms and assesses the platforms' responsibilities. This legal study adopts a doctrinal approach to legal research, examining Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumors and Cyber Crimes, the mandate of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), and some applicable case studies concerning leading social media platforms. The results demonstrate that the UAE employs a hybrid enforcement model comprising criminal sanctions, administrative procedures, and public reporting. It is not only their platforms that are to blame for hosting misleading content, but also their algorithms and slow response times to takedown requests. Although the framework is detailed and proactive, it raises reservations regarding cross-border issues and freedom of expression. The paper concludes with obligations that may guide efforts to elevate regulatory transparency, foster global collaboration, and establish a content-adjudication system to achieve a balanced, productive digital government policy in the UAE.