The arrested suspects posted AI-generated clips of false explosions and targeted strikes on prominent sites.
Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the UAE Attorney-General, has ordered the arrest of 10 individuals of various nationalities for sharing misleading and fabricated video clips on social media.
The accused have been referred for urgent trial following investigations into the online content, which was circulated amid ongoing regional developments.
Authorities noted that the videos combined real footage with AI-generated clips.
The move came after continuous monitoring of digital platforms, where specific events were reportedly exploited to spread misinformation designed to mislead the public and threaten national security, public order, and stability.
Investigations revealed that the defendants published videos containing real footage of air defence systems intercepting attacks, while other clips showed projectiles on the ground or crowds observing the incidents.
The suspects also shared fabricated videos created using artificial intelligence (AI), falsely depicting explosions, attacks on prominent landmarks, and large fires in various parts of the UAE.
Content designed to create fear and confusion
Investigators found that some videos manipulated children’s emotions by suggesting false security threats.
Other clips falsely claimed damage to military facilities or misrepresented foreign incidents as occurring within the UAE, aiming to mislead public opinion and spread anxiety.
Authorities warned that publishing such content — whether real or manipulated — threatens public security, causes confusion, and provides hostile media with material to distort facts or undermine confidence in national institutions.
Public Prosecution launches interrogation
The Public Prosecution has begun interrogating the defendants and has ordered their remand in custody pending legal proceedings.
Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the Attorney-General, stated that such acts constitute criminal offences, punishable by at least one year in prison and a minimum fine of Dh100,000.
These penalties apply due to the deliberate dissemination of misinformation, threats to public security, the spread of fear, and attempts to undermine social stability.
Authorities warn against misuse of digital platforms
Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stressed that authorities will not tolerate the exploitation of cyberspace or modern technologies to spread fabricated or misleading information that threatens national security or disrupts public order.
This includes sharing videos of the interception of attacks by the country’s defence systems, as well as footage that could reveal sensitive military capabilities.
He added that anyone found involved in such activities will face immediate criminal accountability, while authorities will continue monitoring digital platforms and take firm legal action against violators.
