Get you up to speed: UAE detains British man amid crackdown on social media sharing of attacks
A 60-year-old man is accused of ‘broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security’, according to the campaign group Detained in Dubai. The British Embassy in the UAE warned against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites, stating that violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.
A British man, aged 60, has been detained in the UAE for allegedly “broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security,” according to the campaign group Detained in Dubai. The British Embassy in the UAE has warned that violations of local laws can lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation, and stated that British nationals are subject to these regulations.
The British Embassy in the UAE issued warnings advising individuals against photographing or sharing images related to strikes or government buildings, emphasising that violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation. The Foreign Office has confirmed that it is in contact with local authorities following the detention of a British man in the UAE.
Why are people being arrested for posting footage of Iran attacks in Dubai? | News World
The man, 60, is accused of ‘broadcasting, publishing, republishing or circulating rumours or provocative propaganda that could disturb public security’, campaign group Detained in Dubai said.
Dubai, which is in the UAE, has been hit with missiles amid the conflict between Iran and the US and Israel.
Why are people being arrested for sharing footage of Iranian attacks?
The group said penalties in such cases can include up to two years in prison.
Dr Mira Al Hussein, Research Fellow at the Alwaleed Centre for the Study of Islam in the Contemporary World, University of Edinburgh, told WTX the UAE’s cyber-crime laws are ‘deliberately vague’ and ‘broad enough to be stretched retrospectively to cover whatever the moment requires’.
‘In this instance, the UAE has managed to cultivate a high level of public confidence in its capacity to intercept Iranian missiles and drones and minimise impact on civilian infrastructure, business and daily life,’ she said.
‘When images of strikes and damages circulate in ways that contradict the official account — attributing sounds and damage to successful interceptions and falling debris rather than to strikes that got through — that confidence is undermined.
‘It can generate public fear and disorder.
‘The UAE government wants to control not only the present story but the historical record.
A fire appears to have been started inside the Dubai Creek Harbour Hotel after an Iranian drone strike in footage posted to social media (Picture: X)
A view of the damaged part of the Dubai Creek Harbour Tower after it was hit by an Iranian drone attack in Dubai (Picture: EPA)
‘Documented evidence of strikes and damages may include incidents that the government does not wish to acknowledge publicly.
‘It also raises questions about why specific sites were targeted.’
What warnings have been issued?
Repeated warnings have been issued through social and print media, advising people not to film, publish or share footage of strikes or interceptions and to only seek information from official sources.
The penalty for non-compliance is up to two years in prison or a £20,000 fine.
On Friday the British Embassy in the UAE posted on X: ‘UAE authorities warn against photographing, posting, or sharing images of incident sites or projectile damage as well as government buildings and diplomatic missions.
‘British nationals are subject to UAE laws, violations may lead to fines, imprisonment, or deportation.’
The post continued: ‘Under UAE law, sharing” can include posting on social media platforms as well as sending or forwarding content via messaging applications.
‘UAE law also restricts the photographing of certain sites, including government buildings and diplomatic missions.’
‘This speaks to the gravity of this charge and to how seriously the UAE government is treating these incidents.’
Ms Stirling added: ‘Under UAE cybercrime laws, the person who originally posts content can be charged, but so can anyone who reshapes, reposts or comments on it.
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is in contact with local authorities after a British man was detained in the UAE.
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