375 people imprisoned in Abu Dhabi for false posts and filming of violations during tensions / Photo: AI-Generated
Abu Dhabi Police confirmed, in a large-scale enforcement campaign, the arrest of 375 people for filming sensitive incidents and circulating misleading or false information on social media platforms.
The measure, announced on April 8, comes amid rising regional tensions, with authorities saying irresponsible online activity threatens to spread panic and confusion.Officials stated that many detainees recorded video clips in sensitive locations or during security situations and shared them without verification. In many cases, the content was described as misleading, taken out of context, or exaggerated to amplify fear. Despite repeated warnings issued in recent weeks, violations have continued, leading to stricter enforcement
Why United Arab Emirates The authorities took action?
Authorities linked the crackdown to the current turbulent regional environment, where disinformation can quickly escalate into public panic.
The UAE was on high alert amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, and officials stressed that the circulation of unverified content could directly impact national security and emergency response efforts.Security officials have warned that even seemingly harmless actions, such as forwarding an unverified video, can contribute to cycles of disinformation. In previous incidents, authorities have identified manipulated clips, AI-generated visuals, and misleading captions that falsely depicted attacks or unrest within the UAE.
These incidents sparked confusion on the Internet, forcing the authorities to intervene and provide clarifications.According to officials, the goal is not just law enforcement, but prevention, ensuring that only accurate and verified information reaches the public during sensitive periods.
Cybercrime laws in the United Arab Emirates
The UAE’s legal framework on disinformation is among the most stringent in the region, particularly under federal cybercrime laws. The authorities reiterated that spreading false information, rumors or misleading content online can result in heavy fines and imprisonment.Depending on the seriousness of the crime, penalties may include fines ranging from 100,000 dirhams to 1 million dirhams, along with possible prison sentences. Filming or photographing sensitive sites, especially during emergency situations or security operations without permission, is also a crime punishable by law.Officials also warned that sharing such content, even without creating it, could result in legal consequences. Simply forwarding a misleading video or post could be considered engaging in spreading misinformation.
In some cases, additional penalties may apply if the content harms public order, harms the reputation of the country, or interferes with the work of the authorities.
Ignore repeated warnings
This latest measure is part of a broader nationwide crackdown that has intensified over recent weeks. Authorities had previously reported multiple arrests linked to similar crimes, including individuals accused of sharing fabricated videos or misleading narratives linked to regional developments.Despite public awareness campaigns and official warnings, violations continued to occur. Authorities noted that some individuals deliberately sought online involvement by sharing sensationalist or unverified content, while others acted without fully understanding the legal implications.Officials have now made clear that enforcement will remain strict and ongoing, with zero tolerance for violations during sensitive periods.
Formal advice
Authorities strongly urged residents to rely exclusively on verified government channels for updates and avoid dealing with unverified information circulating online.Abu Dhabi Police emphasized that responsible digital behavior is necessary to maintain public safety and stability. It advised citizens not to photograph events, avoid visiting sensitive places, and refrain from sharing any content unless it is from official sources.The authorities’ message is clear and direct: social media abuse is no longer taken lightly, but is a serious legal offense with real consequences.
Zero tolerance approach in the UAE
The scale of the arrests signals a critical shift in how the UAE deals with disinformation. With the powerful role social media plays in shaping public perception, authorities are increasingly treating false or misleading content as a security threat rather than just a digital problem.Through a combination of strict laws, active monitoring and rapid enforcement, the UAE aims to protect public order and ensure that information shared during critical moments remains accurate and trustworthy.
