ABU DHABI: Authorities have arrested 109 individuals for filming sensitive locations and sharing misleading content online amid ongoing regional tensions, according to Abu Dhabi Police.
The arrests form part of a wider crackdown on the spread of misinformation, which officials say can cause panic, distort public understanding, and disrupt ongoing security procedures.
What happened
Police said those arrested were involved in recording sites and events, then posting inaccurate or misleading information on social media. Authorities warned that such actions can “stir public opinion” and spread rumors within the community.
Legal and administrative action has already been taken against those involved.
Breakdown of recent arrests
Authorities also shared recent enforcement figures linked to similar violations:
- 45 individuals arrested last week by the Criminal Investigation Directorate
- 35 individuals arrested over the weekend by the UAE Attorney-General
- 10 individuals detained for publishing fabricated or AI-generated clips
- 109 individuals total arrested by Abu Dhabi Police for misinformation-related offenses
These figures highlight a growing focus on monitoring online activity during sensitive periods.
Why this matters
Officials stressed that sharing unverified or misleading content is not just irresponsible—it is a violation of UAE laws. It can:
- Threaten public safety
- Interfere with emergency or security operations
- Spread unnecessary fear among residents
Authorities are urging residents and expats to rely only on official sources when seeking updates about ongoing developments.
What residents should avoid
Abu Dhabi Police specifically advised the public to:
- Avoid filming incident sites or sensitive locations
- Refrain from posting unverified videos or images
- Not share content related to ongoing events without confirmation
Even resharing content from other users can carry legal risk if the information is false or misleading.