UAE Orders Arrest of 10 Individuals for Spreading Misleading AI-Generated and Fabricated Videos Online
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has ordered the arrest of 10 individuals of various nationalities for publishing misleading and fabricated video clips on social media platforms, authorities announced.
The suspects have been referred to an urgent trial after investigations revealed they shared content containing misinformation amid ongoing regional developments. According to the Public Prosecution, the videos were intended to mislead the public and undermine national security, order, and stability.
Authorities said the action followed continuous monitoring of digital platforms, where certain individuals were found exploiting the situation to spread false narratives and manipulate public opinion.
Investigations showed that some defendants posted real footage of air defense systems intercepting attacks, while other clips displayed projectiles on the ground or crowds observing events. Additionally, fabricated footage created using artificial intelligence (AI) was circulated to falsely depict explosions, strikes on prominent landmarks, and large fires with rising smoke across various locations in the UAE.
Officials also found that some videos exploited children’s emotions by falsely suggesting imminent security threats. Other clips claimed the destruction of military facilities within the country or misrepresented incidents from foreign locations as events occurring inside the UAE.
Authorities warned that publishing such content — whether real or fabricated — could harm public security, create confusion, and provide hostile media outlets with material that could distort facts, undermine confidence in authorities, or reveal aspects of the country’s defensive capabilities.
The Public Prosecution has begun interrogating the suspects and ordered their detention pending further legal proceedings.
Dr. Al Shamsi stated that such acts constitute criminal offenses punishable under UAE law by imprisonment of no less than one year and a fine of at least AED 100,000 for deliberately spreading misinformation, threatening public security, spreading fear among the population, and undermining social stability.
He emphasized that the Public Prosecution will not tolerate attempts to misuse cyberspace or modern technologies to spread fabricated or misleading content that could affect the country’s security or disturb public order.
The Attorney-General also warned that anyone found involved in such activities will face immediate criminal accountability, reaffirming that authorities will continue monitoring digital platforms and taking firm legal action against those responsible.
