We must fully understand that both Islamic law (Sharia) and civil law protect individual rights and require the utmost respect and care for people’s privacy and personal safety. Among these rights is the protection of an individual’s private life.

There are public and private rights that no one may violate under any circumstance. For example, it is illegal for a landlord to install a surveillance camera inside a rented home to monitor tenants — such an act leads to serious legal consequences.

However, let us shed light on an important and increasingly common situation: the use of cameras in vehicles. Many people install these devices as a means of evidence in case of traffic violations or accidents. But what happens if a person — say, a woman — is harassed or harmed in public by someone in a car? Can she use a video she recorded as proof?

Regarding vehicle cameras, which are now widely used for evidence in accidents or incidents, the footage captured by these cameras can legally be submitted to the police or courts if needed. This is because such footage may contain sensitive data, such as license plate numbers. However, if someone publishes this footage on social media or other platforms, they can be legally penalized.

Although filming in public spaces is not prohibited, the law makes a clear distinction when the act of filming intentionally targets a specific person — especially if it is done with bad intent (or even good intent) without that person’s permission. In such cases, legal scholars differ in opinion, but the determining factor is the intent behind the filming and any resulting actions.

Any form of filming intended to convey a specific message must be presented to the appropriate authority through a judicial officer authorized by the government. Article 30 of the UAE Code of Criminal Procedure states: "Judicial officers shall investigate crimes, search for perpetrators, and collect the necessary information and evidence for prosecution and accusation."

Likewise, Article 35 of the same law affirms: "Judicial officers must accept complaints and reports concerning crimes... and must obtain clarifications and carry out inspections to help verify the facts."

Based on all of the above, it becomes clear that the purpose behind recording or installing car cameras should only be to protect the rights of the injured party — without violating the rights of others — and such footage should only be used before the competent legal authorities.

Privacy is a right for everyone, and no one is allowed to breach it under any circumstance. If you are harmed, turn to the proper legal channels without resorting to defamation or blackmail — otherwise, the law may turn against you.