A new fatwa forbids the use of a neighbor’s wireless network without authorization
On April 14th, it was reported that the religious authorities in Dubai have issued a fatwa forbidding the use of one’s neighbor’s wireless network without authorization.
In response to a question from an anonymous caller, the Department of Islamic Issues and Charities published the fatwa explaining that the use is permitted only with the consent of the owner, but if this is refused, one cannot use its wireless network and it will be considered theft, which is an improper practice and contrary to the laws of Islam.
UAE, other Gulf states, from time to time limit free use of the internet on grounds of religion and morality. In September 2011 it was reported that no one is allowed to tag photos on Facebook without obtaining permission, based on the law under which no picture of a person can be taken without permission.
In May 2015 it was reported that “Emoji delivery of raising finger on a cell phone or even sending photos via email, may cause problems to the user. This constitutes a violation under UAE law and the punishment can reach a three-year imprisonment or a fine of up to half a million Durham”. This is when the receiver complained about it. If the sender is not a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, this will lead to deportation.
This is alongside a call, in January 2014, to Saudi academics self-censorship when using the internet, limiting uploads to social networks, Twitter accounts were closed, and the determination of a Saudi cleric that “Twitter is the source of lies and evil.”
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