UAE Cracks Down on Social Media Misinformation Amid Regional Tensions
As military confrontations intensify between Iran, Israel, and the United States, the United Arab Emirates has issued a stern warning to residents against spreading rumors and misinformation on social media platforms. Authorities have detected a significant surge in the circulation of false news, fabricated videos, and misleading images related to the ongoing conflict and other regional developments.
Official Warning Against Manipulated Content
Hamid Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney General of the UAE, has specifically warned against photographing, publishing, or circulating images and videos of accident sites or damages caused by falling projectiles or debris. These materials are being shared online in deliberate attempts to amplify anxiety and confusion within society, ultimately affecting national stability and casting doubt on the current situation.
According to security sources and experts, many of these disinformation campaigns republish old footage of accidents and fires that occurred years ago in Gulf countries, presenting them as recent incidents within the UAE. Additionally, manipulated videos created using sophisticated artificial intelligence and deepfake technologies are being circulated with the clear aim of shaping public opinion and propagating hostile agendas.
Legal Consequences for Violators
Al Shamsi emphasized that sharing such fabricated content or spreading misleading information constitutes a criminal offense punishable by law. The Public Prosecution will take firm legal action against violators who undermine official response efforts through their online activities.
Legal experts confirm that spreading rumors or unverified information in the UAE violates the country's Cybercrime and Rumours Law. Article 52 stipulates a minimum prison sentence of one year and a fine of AED 100,000 for anyone using the internet to publish or republish false news, misleading reports, or malicious rumors contradicting officially announced information.
If such information incites public opinion, spreads panic, harms public security, or damages the national economy, the penalty increases to at least two years imprisonment and a fine of Dh200,000.
Verification as Civil Responsibility
Social media activist Ibrahim Al Thehli told Gulf News that "relying on official sources and professional media institutions remains the safest way to understand events during times of crisis." He emphasized that publishing information online carries both individual and societal responsibility, noting that inaccurate information can mislead others while contributing to increased public anxiety.
Al Thehli added that the rapid spread of news doesn't necessarily indicate credibility, and verifying the date, context, and original source of images and videos can help people avoid manipulation by malicious actors.
Normalcy Maintained Despite Regional Tensions
Al Shamsi assured citizens that state institutions concerned with public safety are performing their duties with high efficiency to safeguard society. Daily life across the country continues normally, with necessary measures in place to address any developments. Competent authorities handle incidents with precise security and defense procedures, and sharing videos or images online could undermine these official response efforts.
The warning comes amid broader regional developments including the deployment of a third US aircraft carrier, extensive Israeli strikes on Iran, and increased food imports to the UAE including 80,000 kg of Indian produce airlifted by LuLu with more imports planned.
