UAE orders arrest of 35 people, including 19 Indians, for spreading fake videos on Gulf conflict
According to a report by the official news agency Emirates News Agency (WAM), the suspects have been directed to face expedited legal proceedings.
Dubai: Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including 19 Indians, for allegedly spreading misleading information and artificial intelligence-generated videos related to the ongoing Gulf conflict on social media platforms.
According to a report by the official news agency Emirates News Agency (WAM), the suspects have been directed to face expedited legal proceedings. The arrests were ordered after authorities detected the circulation of fabricated videos and false information that could potentially mislead the public and threaten social stability.
The latest list released by authorities includes 25 individuals from different countries, of whom 17 are Indians. Earlier on Saturday, orders had already been issued for the arrest of two Indian nationals. With these additions, the total number of Indians involved in the case has risen to 19.
Officials said the action follows strict monitoring of digital platforms aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation, particularly content generated using artificial intelligence tools. Authorities believe that such content could create confusion, panic, or instability during the sensitive geopolitical situation in the Gulf region.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said in a statement that the government is committed to maintaining law and order and preventing the misuse of social media platforms for spreading rumours or fabricated material.
He emphasised that publishing false information, manipulated videos or AI-generated content intended to mislead the public constitutes a punishable offence under UAE law. The authorities have therefore intensified surveillance on digital platforms to identify individuals involved in such activities.
The prosecution has already begun questioning 10 of the accused and has placed them under judicial custody, according to an earlier report by WAM on Saturday. Investigations are ongoing to identify others involved in creating or distributing the misleading content.
Legal authorities warned that individuals found guilty of spreading false information online may face strict penalties. Under UAE law, such offences can attract a minimum prison sentence of one year along with a fine of at least 100,000 dirhams.
The crackdown comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where governments have stepped up efforts to control misinformation and prevent the spread of panic through social media platforms.
