DUBAI: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 10 individuals of different nationalities for allegedly sharing misleading videos online, including real footage of intercepted attacks and artificial intelligence-generated clips falsely showing explosions and strikes.
According to the UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the suspects have been referred for urgent trial following their arrest. The action came after authorities intensified monitoring of digital platforms amid ongoing regional tensions.
Officials said the individuals used social media to circulate videos that included authentic footage of air defence systems intercepting attacks as well as clips showing projectiles on the ground and crowds observing events. They also shared fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence to falsely depict explosions, strikes on key landmarks and large fires in various parts of the UAE.
Public security
Investigators said some of the videos exploited children’s emotions and falsely suggested security threats, while others claimed that military facilities inside the UAE had been destroyed. Certain clips reportedly misrepresented incidents that occurred in other countries as having taken place in the UAE.
Authorities identified the suspects as nationals of several countries, including Egypt, the Philippines, Vietnam, Iran, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Nepal and India.
Officials warned that publishing such content, whether genuine or fabricated, could harm public security, create confusion and provide hostile media outlets with material that may distort facts or undermine trust in state institutions.
The Public Prosecution has begun interrogating the suspects and ordered their detention. Under UAE law, spreading false information that threatens public security may result in imprisonment of at least one year and fines starting from Dh100,000.
Authorities also warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone using digital platforms to spread misinformation or content that threatens national security or public order.
