United Arab Emirates authorities have issued arrest warrants for 35 individuals, among them 19 Indian nationals, accused of posting misleading content online that fueled panic during the ongoing Israel-US-Iran war. Prosecutors revealed that these suspects, working in coordinated networks, shared manipulated videos—including AI-generated footage of explosions and strikes on UAE landmarks like Dubai and Abu Dhabi—claiming they depicted real attacks from Iran's recent missile barrages. The deceptive posts, which repurposed old clips from unrelated events, aimed to incite fear and instability in the region.

The UAE Public Prosecution announced expedited trials for those detained, with penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 including at least one year in jail and fines from 100,000 AED (roughly $27,000), doubled during national emergencies. Even simple reposts qualify as violations, as Dubai Police had warned earlier via viral videos targeting the Indian community: "Make negative content, face deportation."

This crackdown follows a pattern—10 others were arrested last week for similar fakes involving real interception videos passed off as fresh strikes. Officials stressed that such misinformation not only misleads residents but endangers public order in a nation hosting over 3.5 million Indian expats, the largest expatriate group.

The actions come amid Iran's launch of 260+ missiles and 1,500 drones, prompting UAE airspace closures and global tensions. Expats have praised the UAE's steady leadership as a "second home," but experts warn that WhatsApp forwards and unverified Twitter clips from the Indian diaspora often amplify risks.

UAE officials urged sticking to verified sources like the WAM news agency, signaling zero tolerance for content glorifying conflict or harming the nation's image. As trials proceed, this serves as a stark alert for social media users worldwide: in wartime, one false post can lead to real consequences.