10 Held in UAE for Spreading Misleading Clips About Security Events

ABU DHABI, Mar 14: The UAE Public Prosecution has ordered the arrest of 10 suspects of various nationalities for allegedly spreading misleading and fabricated content on social media related to regional security developments.

According to a statement, the arrests were ordered by Hamad Saif Al Shamsi after authorities monitored online content circulating on social media platforms that was considered deceptive and potentially harmful to public security.

Investigations found that the suspects posted video clips showing real scenes of air defence systems confronting attacks and their aftermath, as well as footage of projectiles on the ground and crowds gathering following such incidents. Authorities also said some clips were fabricated using artificial intelligence, falsely depicting explosions, strikes inside the country, attacks on prominent landmarks, and large fires with rising smoke.

Officials said some videos also exploited children’s emotions by suggesting security incidents had occurred inside the country, while other posts falsely claimed that facilities or military bases had been destroyed. In several cases, videos from incidents outside the country were allegedly shared as if they had occurred within the UAE.

Authorities warned that such content could mislead the public, spread fear and confusion, and provide hostile media outlets with material that could be used to distort facts or undermine trust in state institutions. The dissemination of such footage could also risk exposing certain defensive capabilities, officials added.

The Public Prosecution has launched investigations and ordered the pretrial detention of the suspects.

The Attorney General said the actions constitute serious criminal offences, punishable by at least one year in prison and fines starting from 100,000 UAE dirhams, due to their potential to harm public security and spread panic.

He stressed that authorities will take firm legal action against anyone who exploits cyberspace or modern technologies to spread misleading information or fabricated content that threatens national security or societal stability.

Officials added that the competent authorities will continue monitoring digital platforms and pursuing those responsible for spreading false or harmful content.