The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken strict action against 35 people, including 19 Indian nationals, for sharing misleading or fabricated content online about the ongoing Israel‑US‑Iran conflict. Officials say these posts, some created with artificial intelligence (AI), risked causing public alarm and spreading misinformation.
According to the UAE’s Attorney-General’s Office, the individuals shared videos and posts that falsely showed missile strikes, explosions, drone attacks, and other conflict-related events. Some clips were altered or given misleading captions, making them appear as though the incidents had occurred in the UAE. Authorities stressed that this kind of content goes beyond harmless reporting and can create unnecessary panic, mislead residents, and even reveal sensitive security details.
The UAE’s state news agency, WAM, said the suspects have been referred for fast-track trials under the country’s cybercrime laws. Those laws strictly prohibit creating or sharing false online content, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Officials categorized the online offenses into three main types namely – Genuine footage posted with false or alarming commentary, AI-generated or reused videos presented as real events in the UAE, Posts promoting or glorifying hostile foreign leaders or military actions.
While the Indian government has not commented officially, the arrests have sparked discussion online about the importance of respecting local laws when living abroad. Experts note that the UAE has been closely monitoring online content, particularly during tense periods, to maintain public order and national safety.
The UAE has urged residents to rely on verified official sources for news, especially regarding the conflict. Authorities warn that sharing unverified videos or posts can carry serious legal consequences and encourage social media users to think twice before spreading potentially harmful content.
