UAE arrests another 25 for posting misleading content online

The accused have been referred for an expedited trial, with investigations revealing that the defendants were divided into three groups based on the type of content shared on digital platforms.

The first group includes 12 individuals who published and circulated authentic video clips documenting the passage and interception of missile attacks in the UAE's airspace, including gatherings at these events, added commentary, and sound effects to incite public anxiety and panic, allowing for risks of misleading narratives. 

Meanwhile, the second group, consisting of 7 individuals, shared fabricated visual content created through AI, or posted incidents held outside the UAE while falsely claiming it was within the country, with clips showing synthetic scenes of explosions and missiles, often featuring national flags or specific dates to falsely showcase credibility and mislead the public.

6 people in the third group posted content glorifying a hostile state and its political and military leadership, promoting its regional military aggressions as achievements, including praising its leaders and recirculating propaganda that serves hostile media discourse and harms national interests.

The Public Prosecution has commenced investigations into the allegations against the defendants and ordered their preventive detention pending further inquiries.

The Attorney General emphasised that these actions constitute a grave violation of the law and necessitate the enforcement of required penal measures against those responsible.

He also affirmed that exploiting cyberspace to disseminate or circulate misleading content and footage that harms public security or compromises the country’s defensive capabilities is a criminal offence, adding that this behavior will be met with "firm legal action", especially as the country faces military aggression.

Previously, 10 individuals were arrested by the authority for publishing misleading and fabricated videos on social media.