UAE Orders Arrest of 35, Including 19 Indians, for Posting ‘Misleading Content’ Online

The United Arab Emirates has directed authorities to arrest 35 individuals, including 19 Indian nationals, for sharing videos on social media that allegedly contained misleading or fabricated content during the ongoing US‑Israel‑Iran War. The conflict escalated late last month after airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted sites in Iran. Officials stated that the suspects will face fast-tracked legal proceedings after investigators found that they had used online platforms to spread manipulated videos and narratives related to the conflict. Authorities said the posts were capable of causing confusion among the public and amplifying tensions linked to developments in the region.

The crackdown unfolded in two stages. The most recent list included 25 suspects from multiple nationalities, among them 17 Indians, registered under various legal provisions. This action followed an earlier directive issued on Saturday for the arrest of 10 people, including two Indians. In a statement, the UAE’s attorney-general, Hamad Saif Al Shams, said the step was taken after intensive monitoring of digital platforms to counter the circulation of fabricated information and artificially generated content aimed at disturbing public order and weakening overall stability across the country during a period of heightened regional tensions and widespread online misinformation.

"Investigations and electronic monitoring revealed that the defendants were divided into three groups that committed various acts. These included the publication of real clips related to current events, the fabrication of clips using AI, and the promotion of a state practising acts of military aggression while glorifying its leadership and military actions," it said, according to the UAE's official news agency, Emirates News Agency.

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The first group comprised 10 suspects — five Indians, one Pakistani, one Nepali, two Filipinos and one Egyptian — who allegedly circulated genuine video footage showing missiles passing through or being intercepted in the country’s airspace and the aftermath of such incidents. They also filmed crowds watching these events and added commentary and audio effects implying active attacks to create panic among viewers. Authorities said such posts could heighten public fear and anxiety. "Such footage risked exposing defensive capabilities and allowing hostile accounts to promote misleading narratives," the statement said.

The second group consisted of seven individuals, including five Indians and one each from Nepal and Bangladesh, accused of publishing fabricated visuals generated through artificial intelligence or recycling clips from incidents in other countries while falsely claiming they occurred in the UAE. Officials said these videos portrayed explosions and missile strikes and often included national symbols or specific dates to make the material appear credible. Investigators said the intention was to mislead viewers and spread false information about security conditions within the country during the period of conflict-related tensions.

The third group included six suspects — five Indians and one Pakistani — who were accused of sharing material that authorities said glorified Iran and its political and military leadership while portraying its regional military activities as achievements. Officials stated that the posts praised leaders from the country and amplified propaganda narratives that aligned with hostile media messaging. According to authorities, such content was considered harmful to national interests and could influence public perceptions regarding the regional conflict.

Authorities also confirmed that two additional individuals, both Indian nationals, are facing similar accusations related to the dissemination of misleading online content. According to a report by the Emirates News Agency published on Saturday, the public prosecution began legal proceedings after questioning 10 defendants and ordered them to remain in custody pending further investigation. Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shams said these suspects allegedly shared fabricated footage produced with artificial intelligence that falsely depicted explosions, attacks on well-known landmarks and large fires with heavy smoke in various locations across the UAE.

Under the country’s laws, spreading such misinformation is treated as a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment for at least one year along with a minimum fine of AED 100,000. Authorities emphasised that the actions were taken to safeguard public order and security. "Such events have been exploited to disseminate misinformation intended to deliberately mislead the public while undermining national security, order and stability," he said.

"The incidents also involved exploiting children's emotions in videos falsely implying security threats. Other footage claimed the destruction of military facilities within the country or attributed foreign incidents to UAE locations, aiming to mislead public opinion and spread anxiety," Shamsi added.