Dubai officials leak classified documents on social media, identified

Dubai government authorities have identified certain individuals who "leaked classified documents through messaging applications and social media platforms".

The General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai has stressed that leaking classified documents is a crime as per the Emirate’s laws and will result in legal action.

It stressed the importance of adhering to policies and procedures on the dissemination and exchange of government information, including those related to confidentiality and privacy.

#TheExecutiveCouncil’s General Secretariat stressed the importance of following the procedures in exchanging government information to maintain its privacy. pic.twitter.com/uUjw2uZgKJ

— (@TECofDubai) February 8, 2021

Punitive measures will be taken if information related to confidential and sensitive government documents and worksheets is leaked, the council warned.

The secretariat cited a law, which states that every employee must maintain the confidentiality of the information he has access to in his official role as a government employee – during and after his service period.

He must not disclose it to others either in writing or orally.

"This applies to any information regarding the government; his place of employment; or information related to any government entity unless he obtains prior written permission from the Director General or is required to disclose that information at the request of a judicial authority or government entity authorised under a relevant legislation," the secretariat said.

In addition, the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Document for government employees, which has been approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council, emphasises the importance of not publishing or circulating official data and documents through social media or other means.

The secretariat said government information and data represent "sources of national wealth" and government agencies should spare no effort to protect it.

It also highlighted the importance of classifying all government documents to protect systems and information from leaks or manipulation. "Government agencies must take all the measures and precautions necessary to classify and protect sensitive and confidential government data, in order to avoid any misuse."

It noted that Dubai is a "regional pioneer" in providing, managing and protecting data, and achieving a balance between facilitating the smooth exchange of information and maintaining its confidentiality.