The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrested 35 individuals, including 19 Indians, for spreading misleading content on social media platforms amid the ongoing tensions resulting from the Israel-US-Iran war. According to the UAE’s official news agency, WAM, the accused individuals were involved in publishing fabricated and misleading video clips, with some using AI-generated footage, to create panic and mislead the public. The UAE’s Attorney-General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shams, confirmed that the arrested individuals were divided into three distinct groups, each with different methods of spreading false information.

The first group of 10 accused circulated real clips of missile interceptions, but these clips were manipulated with commentary and sound effects to suggest military aggression, thus inciting public anxiety. The second group fabricated videos using AI or recycled footage from external incidents, making false claims about explosions and military actions within the UAE. The third group glorified the leadership and military actions of a hostile state, promoting its actions as achievements and spreading harmful propaganda.

The UAE government has been closely monitoring digital platforms to combat the spread of such fabricated content, which it believes is intended to undermine national stability and security. The accused individuals face imprisonment for at least one year and fines of up to AED 100,000. The Attorney-General emphasized that such acts of misinformation could severely damage the UAE’s national security and public order. This legal action reflects the UAE's ongoing efforts to maintain stability and order during a volatile regional conflict, where misinformation has the potential to escalate tensions further.