Two Bangladeshi nationals among 35 arrested in UAE digital misinformation crackdown

Two Bangladeshi nationals were among 35 people arrested in the United Arab Emirates for spreading digital misinformation, authorities said, in a move the government described as necessary to protect national security amid ongoing regional tensions.

N.G. was arrested as part of the first batch of 10 on 14 March, accused of publishing misleading and fabricated video clips, which included real footage of air defense interceptions as well as AI-generated content falsely suggesting strikes on UAE landmarks, says Gulf News.

M.R. was arrested in the second batch on 15 March, within a group accused of posting AI-fabricated content or recirculating footage from outside the UAE while falsely claiming the events occurred in the country.

All 35 defendants, from nine countries, have been remanded in custody for expedited trials. Under UAE law, the offenses carry a minimum prison sentence of one year and a fine of at least Dh100,000.

The arrests were ordered by UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi and followed monitoring of digital platforms for "harmful, coordinated content," officials said. Abu Dhabi Police also apprehended 45 people for filming incident sites and circulating inaccurate information.

Authorities categorized the 35 arrested into groups based on the nature of their digital activities:

• Real footage distribution (12 people): Shared authentic videos of missile interceptions and public gatherings, often with commentary and sound effects "designed to incite public anxiety and panic."

• AI-fabricated content (7 people): Created synthetic scenes of explosions and strikes on UAE landmarks or circulated footage from outside the country, "falsely claiming the events occurred within the country."

• Glorification of aggression (6 people): Praised the leadership of a hostile state and promoted its military actions as achievements, "thereby serving hostile media narratives."

• Misleading and fabricated clips (initial 10 people): Shared a mix of real defense footage and AI-generated content, including videos that exploited children's emotions to imply security threats.

Authorities said sharing such material can expose defensive capabilities, aid hostile narratives, incite public panic, and "distort facts and undermine confidence in competent authorities." The government has warned against photographing or circulating images of incident sites, projectile damage, or shrapnel.

The crackdown comes amid active defense operations, including the recent interception of 10 ballistic missiles and 45 drones.