The warning was highlighted in an interview shared by the UAE Public Prosecution featuring Khalid Al Madhani, who stressed the importance of responsible information sharing in the digital age
Attorney General Khalid Al Madhani. (Photo: Screengrab from @UAE_PP)
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have warned citizens and social media users against spreading misleading content and inaccurate information across digital platforms, emphasising that sharing rumours can constitute a criminal offence.
The warning was highlighted in an interview shared by the UAE's Public Prosecution featuring Attorney General Khalid Al Madhani, who stressed the importance of responsible information sharing in the digital age.
Authorities emphasise responsibility in sharing information
Al Madhani said information must be handled responsibly and warned that spreading rumours or false information can have serious consequences.
“Information is a responsibility, and spreading rumours is a crime,” he said, underlining the dangers of circulating unverified content, particularly when it contradicts statements issued by official authorities.
في ظل الظروف الراهنة وما يصاحبها من انتشار لبعض المحتوى المضلل وبعض الأخبار غير الدقيقة عبر المنصات الرقمية، يأتي لقاء سعادة المحــــامي العــــام خــــالد المــــدحــــاني، رئيس النيابة الاتحادية لمكافحة الشائعات والجرائم الإلكترونية، للتأكيد على أهمية تحرّي صحة المعلومات قبل… pic.twitter.com/XNfDOAvf9O
— النيابة العامة (@UAE_PP) March 12, 2026
He noted that social media users must ensure the accuracy of information before sharing it online and should rely only on credible and official sources.
Public urged to avoid manipulating or altering content
Al Madhani also cautioned users against altering digital content or fabricating information in ways that could mislead the public.
He highlighted examples where videos or images are modified by adding sound effects or editing content in a manner that distorts the original context.
According to him, such practices can contribute to misinformation and create unnecessary panic or confusion among the public.
Authorities monitoring misinformation cases
The attorney general said authorities have observed instances where misinformation originating from outside the UAE has been falsely portrayed as incidents occurring within the country.
In such cases, relevant authorities take appropriate steps to investigate and address the spread of false reports.
He added that monitoring online platforms for misleading information remains a priority for agencies responsible for combating rumours and cybercrimes.
Preventing misinformation crucial during unstable periods
Al Madhani emphasised that preventing the spread of inaccurate information becomes particularly important during periods of instability or crisis, when misinformation can quickly spread and affect public confidence.
He urged social media users, content creators and journalists to adhere to professional and ethical standards while sharing news and updates.
UAE advises citizens against filming incident sites, prohibited areas
Meanwhile, the authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have issued a warning that strict action will be taken against anyone who films incident sites, prohibited areas, or airport interiors without authorisation, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi said on Sunday.
To ensure the safety of the self and avoid legal consequences, the Embassy advised all Indian nationals to strictly adhere to the guidelines.
"When you hear a warning alert, proceed immediately to a safe place and remain there until the warning alert has been lifted for your area. Do not attempt to go outside to take photograph/record videos," it said.
It advised the Indian nationals to strictly avoid sharing or publishing images of incident sites, including damage from projectiles or shrapnel, via digital/social media platforms.
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