DUBAI: UAE authorities have arrested 10 individuals of various nationalities for allegedly sharing misleading videos online, including authentic footage of intercepted attacks and AI-generated clips falsely showing explosions and strikes.
According to Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the UAE Attorney-General, the suspects have been referred for urgent trial following their arrest. The crackdown comes amid intensified monitoring of digital platforms during ongoing regional tensions.
Officials said the suspects used social media to circulate videos showing air defense systems intercepting attacks, projectiles on the ground, and crowds observing events. They also shared fabricated AI-generated clips depicting explosions, attacks on key landmarks, and large fires in different parts of the UAE.
Investigators noted that some clips exploited children’s emotions and falsely suggested security threats, while others claimed that military facilities in the UAE had been destroyed. Certain videos misrepresented incidents from other countries as having occurred in the UAE.
The suspects include nationals from Egypt, the Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Nepal, and India.
Authorities warned that publishing such content—real or fabricated—can endanger public security, spread confusion, and provide hostile media outlets with material to distort facts or undermine trust in state institutions.
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The Public Prosecution has begun interrogations and ordered the suspects’ detention. Under UAE law, spreading false information that threatens public security carries a minimum of one year imprisonment and fines starting from Dh100,000.
Officials stressed that strict legal action will continue against anyone using digital platforms to spread misinformation or content threatening national security or public order.
