Rajeev Sharma :- Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested 35 individuals for allegedly spreading misleading and fabricated videos on social media during the recent tensions linked to attacks attributed to Iran. Officials said the action was taken after the circulation of manipulated and false content that could threaten national security and create panic among the public.
The country’s Attorney General, Hamad Al Shamsi, warned that anyone found guilty of spreading such misinformation could face at least one year in prison along with a fine of up to 100,000 dirhams. He stressed that authorities will take strict legal action against those using digital platforms to circulate rumors or distort facts during sensitive security situations.
Investigators have divided the accused into three groups based on the nature of their alleged activities. The first group is accused of filming footage related to missile interceptions and other incidents in the country’s airspace and sharing the clips online with exaggerated commentary and alarming sound effects intended to create fear among the public.
The second group allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to produce fake visuals and circulated old footage of explosions and fires from incidents abroad while falsely claiming that the scenes were from within the UAE. Authorities say this content was deliberately designed to mislead viewers and amplify public anxiety.
A third group is accused of publishing posts praising a hostile state and its military leadership while portraying the attacks as achievements, actions officials say directly undermine the country’s national interests.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Police confirmed that in a separate operation, 45 more people were detained for spreading rumors and false information online. Authorities have urged residents to rely only on verified updates from official channels, particularly the Emirates News Agency, and avoid sharing unverified content that could disrupt public order.
