UAE Cracks Down On Social Media Misinformation: 19 Indians Among 35 Arrested Over ‘Misleading’ War Posts
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a major crackdown on the spread of misinformation during the ongoing Middle East conflict, ordering the arrest of 35 individuals — including 19 Indian nationals — for allegedly posting misleading and fabricated content online.
Authorities said the individuals shared manipulated videos and false narratives related to the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, prompting concerns about public panic and national security.
According to officials, the suspects will face fast-tracked legal proceedings after investigations revealed that social media platforms were used to circulate altered footage, artificial intelligence-generated clips, and misleading commentary linked to the conflict.
What The Investigation Found
In a statement, UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said authorities had been closely monitoring digital platforms to curb the spread of false information that could threaten public stability.
Investigators found that the accused individuals operated in three separate groups, each responsible for different types of misleading content.
The first group, consisting of 10 people from several nationalities including five Indians, allegedly posted real videos showing missile interceptions and aerial activity in the UAE. However, authorities say they added dramatic commentary and sound effects to make it appear as if active attacks were taking place, which could create unnecessary fear among residents.
The second group, which included five Indians, allegedly circulated AI-generated or edited videos showing explosions and missile strikes that did not actually occur in the UAE. Some clips reportedly reused footage from incidents in other countries but were presented as happening locally.
The third group, including five Indians and one Pakistani, is accused of sharing posts that praised Iran and its military leadership, which officials said promoted narratives aligned with hostile propaganda and could harm the country’s national interests.
In addition, two more Indian nationals are also facing similar charges in a related investigation.
Legal Consequences
Under UAE law, spreading false information or content that threatens national security is treated as a serious offence.
Authorities said those found guilty could face a minimum of one year in prison and a fine of at least AED 100,000.
Officials also noted that some of the misleading videos used emotional elements involving children or falsely showed damage to military facilities and major landmarks in the UAE, which they say was intended to create fear and confusion among the public.
Rising Regional Tensions
The crackdown comes at a time when tensions across the Gulf region remain high following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Iran recently warned neighbouring Gulf countries and even called for evacuations around certain ports in the UAE, accusing Washington of using facilities in the region to launch attacks on Iranian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he hopes allied countries will deploy naval forces to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for global oil shipments.
UAE authorities say they will continue strict monitoring of online content to prevent misinformation and ensure public safety during the ongoing regional crisis.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
