Misleading Online Content in the UAE: Deceptive Social media Content

In UAE, it has been observed that, some of the cases were reported having history of posting deceptive social media or online digital content. Since the extensive use of social media has become very common, therefore, the cases of using it for the misleading content has also been observed. The use of the artificial intelligence has been very common and in many cases, these AI is used as in the negative way as well. To curb this situation the UAE government has made the strict policies especially in last 2-3 years. They have adopted the zero tolerance policy to end this kind of use of social media and online content publications.

The content that is created using the AI to cause the deception or to spread the fake news among the people is considered as misleading. The content that creates the chaos against the person is a form of misleading content. This may also include the fake videos pictures and other content. Content does not need to be AI-generated to be misleading. False or manipulated information that creates panic, deceives the public, damages reputations, intellectual property or promotes fraud can also constitute misleading content.

Misleading content is considered as misleading when the information spread among the masses are to harm the public. These content may be used as the fake news, wrong announcements or to create the public chaos. If the news that has been spread has the potential to destroy the public trust this may be dealt seriously. Even if the original news is spread with the intension of over exaggeration or to hide the truth this may also be considered as the mislead. Rules and regulations have to be followed, while sharing the information or spreading the news. Sometimes when, rules are not followed even while spreading a genuine and correct information, then it can also be considered as misleading information.

To deal with such situation, there is a separate law that fall under the Federal Decree law 34 of 2021. This law is made to deal fake news, cybercrimes or fake information. Article 52 of this law is to regularize the social media and related content to stop the spreading of fake news and information. This law is applied to every social media content creator, YouTube channel and other related accounts. UAE cybercrime laws may also apply to content generated using artificial intelligence. Professional advocates and legal consultants can provide guidance on the legal implications, potential liabilities, and precautions that should be considered before sharing the content.

• This law; Article 52 of Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 addresses offences relating to the publication and dissemination of false, misleading, or harmful information through electronic means. Its provisions may apply to individuals and entities that publish or share content through social media platforms. AI-generated content that contains false information or other misleading material may expose individuals to legal liability.

The UAE adopts a strict approach towards the publication of false or information. Individuals, who are found guilty of violating cybercrime laws, are definitely subject to fines, imprisonment, or both. Penalties vary according to the offence and the circumstances. In serious cases, fines can reach AED 1,000,000 or higher where prescribed by the relevant legislation. Therefore, individuals should exercise caution before publishing. For correct detail, we suggest to check with government authorities.

It has been observed that several individuals were arrested because of posting videos that fall under the category of misleading and fake information. The person that were found out filming and recording the national sites without the permission were also arrested and punished. The punishments and penalties gets even stricter during the time of national security emergency.

UAE authorities enforcing very strict laws. UAE authorities may take legal action against individuals who publish misleading information, spread rumours, or engage in activities that could negatively affect public security. Depending on the nature and severity of the offence, penalties may include fines, imprisonment, or other measures prescribed by applicable UAE laws. UAE laws get even stricter once the national security emergency is started, punishments and penalties gets strict. The misleading information or fake news are highly discouraged under the UAE Law.

UAE considers equal responsibility for creating and sharing the fake news and information. For example, if someone shares the WhatsApp message without verifying the information, if the content is misleading and can create chaos among individuals. Contribution to fake news is also consider as the serious threat.

Deep fake and AI generated images and videos are considered as the serious threat to national security. That is why government has taken the serious action. UAE has made the strong laws to protect the spreading of fake news and other related false information. Government is proactive in making and altering the law as per the requirement.

To curb the spread of false news through media industry, UAE government has made the separate laws for that. This new legislation can be checked online, or can be understood with the assistance of professional lawyers.

Federal Decree law of 25 made to protect the rights of children and other under age kids to make the digital platform safe and secure for them. The new law has been also made to protect the minors from the digital content that could harm their brain growth.

Any deceptive advertisement that carries different information than reality is also considered as the breaching of UAE laws. Businesses that uses the QR codes and other fake advertisement to promote their product and to sell it to sellers are also under the radar of UAE authorities.

Sharing pictures or videos of any military activity or government officials are illegal to share and government does not authorized its people to share such things, people sharing such content are banned.

Strict laws are made to be followed by the digital and corporate influencers. There are fixed laws for the influencers, which needs to be followed by the actors, corporate influencers and other related people.