The United Arab Emirates has begun a major crackdown on digital fake news tied to the continuing war involving Iran, the U.S. And Israel.
Prosecutors ordered the arrest of 35 suspects for allegedly spreading fake and misleading content relating to the conflict online on social media. Reports state at least 19 Indian nationals are among those detained, according to authorities and regional news sources.
Investigators said that the detained suspects disseminated fake video and images depicting alleged drone attacks, explosions and missile strikes within the UAE and the greater Gulf region. Officials added that some of the clips included deep fake artificial intelligence videos programmed to look real.
Officials said that these types of clips cause fear and anxiety for residents and can pose a national security risk in the midst of current regional conflicts.
Attorney General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, following an analysis of the news circulated on social media sites related to the ongoing war, instructed officials to arrest the suspects for deliberately distributing misleading content aimed at confusing residents and disrupting the nation.
According to investigators, among the false information circulated by the suspects included fabricated scenes of a missile attack on a landmark, enormous fireballs and explosions in cities that did not occur and scenes of supposed destruction of U.A.E. Military bases. Some clips also included footage from prior conflicts and misrepresented the scenes as the newest attacks.
Officials said that the defendants were ordered to undergo an accelerated trial for violating the UAE’s cybercrime laws.
Violators of the law could face at least one year in prison and fines in excess of 100,000 UAE dirhams for allegedly spreading misleading and artificial media and fake news content that would disturb societal balance.
The recent arrests are occurring amid mounting tension in the Gulf as the region becomes increasingly involved in the greater Iran conflict. Iran has conducted alleged drone and missile attacks targeting infrastructure and military sites within parts of the region, while respective governments enhance security measures and information control efforts to protect its residents from misinformation.
The UAE government has continually urged residents and social media users to stay updated solely by referring to the government’s official reports regarding the conflict and to avoid sharing unverifiable videos or information online.
The ongoing crackdown on fake news is an indicator that governments throughout the region now classify misinformation and AI generated content as a matter of national security, especially when the digital technologies readily enable the spread of convincing video or photo manipulation.
