UAE authorities have taken action against 35 people accused of sharing misleading video content online that served to "harm national defence measures" amid Iranian attacks on the country.
The accused, who are of various nationalities, have been referred for expedited trials in relation to the charges, on the orders of UAE Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi.
The UAE announced 10 arrests on Saturday over the publication of videos showing air defence systems intercepting attacks. Other clips depicted projectiles on the ground or crowds observing such events. Additionally, the group are accused of circulating footage created using artificial intelligence that falsely shows explosions, strikes on prominent landmarks, or large fires in various areas of the UAE.
Allegations also include exploiting children’s emotions in videos falsely implying security threats. Other fabricated footage showed the destruction of military facilities or attributed incidents abroad to locations in the UAE.
More arrests made
On Sunday, the Attorney General said 25 further arrests had been made as part of efforts to address the malicious spread of false information.
Investigations led to the 25 defendants being divided into three groups accused of committing various acts. The first group are alleged to have published and circulated videos showing the interception of missiles in UAE airspace or the resulting impact.
They are also alleged to have filmed gatherings of people watching these events, adding commentary and sound effects aimed at inciting public anxiety and panic.
The second group are said to have published fabricated content created using AI, or to have recirculated footage of previous incidents from outside the Emirates and claiming they took place in the country.
Such clips appeared to show explosions and missiles, often featuring national flags or specific dates in an attempt to give credibility to false claims and mislead the public, state news agency Wam reported.
The third group are alleged to have published "content glorifying a hostile state and its political and military leadership, promoting its regional military aggression as achievements". That involved praising leaders of that state and recirculating propaganda that harms national interests, Wam added.
Strict penalties
Mr Al Shamsi, referring to the 10 arrests announced on Saturday, said such acts are punishable at least one year in jail and fines starting at Dh100,000 ($27,230). Those incidents pose a threat to public security and risk undermining social stability, he added.
He said prosecutors will not tolerate any attempt to exploit cyberspace or modern technology to spread misleading information or fabricated content that affects the security of the state or disturbs public order. Anyone proven to be involved in such acts will face immediate criminal accountability, Mr Al Shamsi said.
The Public Prosecution has started interrogating the defendants and ordered their remand in custody.
The move, meanwhile, comes as digital platforms are being monitored amid the regional crisis, Wam said. Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to mislead the public and undermine national security and stability, it added.
On Saturday, Abu Dhabi Police said 45 people were arrested after filming in areas where incidents had occurred and posting footage on social media. They also circulated inaccurate and misleading information that could spread rumours, police added.
