Rising tensions in West Asia linked to the Iran-related conflict have prompted authorities in the United Arab Emirates to take strict action against misleading content circulating online. Officials have ordered the arrest of 35 individuals, including 19 Indian nationals, for allegedly spreading edited and AI-generated videos related to the conflict on social media platforms.
According to a report by the country’s official news agency, the accused have been referred for expedited or fast-track trials. Investigators monitoring digital platforms found that several people were recording videos of missile interceptions and drone activity and later sharing altered versions of the footage online.
Accused divided into three groups
Investigations revealed that the suspects were operating in three different groups. The first group allegedly captured real footage showing missiles passing through the airspace or being intercepted and then edited the clips before posting them online. These videos reportedly included added sound effects such as explosions, sirens and dramatic commentary to make it appear that large-scale attacks were taking place inside the country. Authorities said such content could cause fear and panic among the public.
The second group is accused of creating entirely fabricated visual content using artificial intelligence or reposting videos from incidents in other countries while falsely claiming they occurred in the UAE. These clips showed scenes of explosions, fires and missile strikes. In many cases, national flags or specific dates were added to make the footage appear genuine.
The third group allegedly shared posts praising a “hostile state” and its political and military leadership while presenting its regional military actions as achievements. Officials said such content promoted propaganda narratives considered harmful to the country’s national interests and stability.
Earlier arrests in similar case
Authorities said that 10 individuals had already been booked in a related case on Saturday, including 2 Indians. Further investigation led to the identification of more suspects, increasing the total number of accused to 35.
Investigators also discovered that some videos attempted to exploit children’s emotions by falsely suggesting serious security threats in major cities. In several cases, footage from incidents in foreign countries was circulated online while being falsely presented as events taking place within the UAE.
Concerns over exposure of defence capabilities
Officials warned that videos showing missile trajectories or drone interceptions could reveal sensitive information about national defence systems. According to authorities, such footage may allow hostile actors to study the country’s security capabilities while spreading misleading narratives.
As a result, authorities have intensified digital monitoring and are taking strict action against those responsible for circulating misleading content.
Strict penalties under UAE law
Under UAE law, spreading false information or digital content that threatens national security or public order can result in a minimum prison sentence of 1 year and a fine of at least AED 100000 (approximately ₹22 lakh).
Authorities have warned that strict legal action will continue against anyone attempting to exploit the ongoing conflict by spreading fabricated or misleading content online. Citizens have also been advised to verify the authenticity of any video or information before sharing it on social media.
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