UAE Holds 19 Indians Over Fake Social Media Posts

Over 35 social media influencers, including 19 Indians, were arrested by the UAE authorities for publishing video clips that contained fabricated content on the Middle East tension, which could incite the public and create disorder.

UAE official news agency Wam said the accused were referred for expedited trial. Of the 35, 10 were arrested on Saturday, including 2 Indians. The remaining 25 Indians, included 17 Indians.

The arrests were done following rigorous monitoring of digital platforms aimed at stopping fabricated information that could affect the law and order in the countries.

Wam said that the 35 social media influencers had three groups – one published real clips, second included fabricated AI clips into their content and the third group promoted the state for its aggressive military acts and glorified the leadership.

The first group, consisting of 10 members, posted authentic content on the conflict, along with people crowding at some places and also their opinions on the ongoing conflict. The authorities feared that publishing the defence capabilities could create unforeseen complications.

The second group published fabricated content generated by AI but claimed that such incidents occurred. To mislead the public, pictures of national flags or specific dates were included in the clip, as it could help gain credibility.

The third group published content glorifying a hostile state, and its political and military leadership and promoted aggression as achievement. The influencers praised leaders of the state and also recirculated propaganda that could serve hostile media narratives that could harm national interests.

Reportedly, Attorney-General Shamsi said that the 10 people arrested on Saturday were interrogated and ordered them to remand.

The Attorney-General said that the digital media activists could be imprisoned for a period of one year and a fine of AED 1,00,000 could be imposed.