Residents Urged to Verify Content Amid Rise in Misinformation
Dubai: The UAE Public Prosecution has issued a strong warning to residents about the spread of misleading videos on social media that wrongly claim to show events happening within the country. Authorities say they have detected several instances where footage filmed abroad was falsely attributed to incidents in the UAE, potentially fueling confusion and public concern.
Check Before You Share: Official Advice
Khalid Al Madhani, Attorney General of the Federal Prosecution for Combating Rumours and Cyber Crimes, urged all social media users to verify information before sharing it with others. “In the current circumstances, and with the spread of misleading content and inaccurate news across digital platforms, it is essential to verify information before sharing it,” he said.
Al Madhani stressed the importance of relying on official, government-endorsed sources to ensure the accuracy of the information being circulated. He added that responsible digital behavior is a shared duty for all internet users, especially during sensitive times.
Spreading Rumours Is a Crime
The Public Prosecution reiterated that “information is a responsibility and spreading rumours is a crime.” Residents are reminded that publishing or circulating unverified claims—especially those that contradict official announcements—can carry legal consequences. Authorities also cautioned against the manipulation of video content, such as adding misleading captions or audio, to falsely suggest that incidents occurred in the UAE.
Promoting Ethical Online Conduct
Al Madhani emphasized the need to maintain ethical and professional standards when sharing content online. “Anyone publishing information on websites or social media platforms must ensure accuracy and avoid becoming a channel for rumours that could harm public confidence or national stability,” he said.
Stick to Trusted Sources
Officials urge the public to seek updates from trusted, official channels and to exercise caution with sensational or unverified content, especially as misinformation can spread quickly online. By acting responsibly and verifying information, residents can help protect both themselves and the wider community from the harmful effects of false news and rumours.
