Social mediainfluencers inDubaihave been warned they could face prison if they post content aboutthe escalating conflict with Iran.
Authorities in theUnited Arab Emirates(UAE) have told the emirate’s vast online creator community that posts deemed harmful to “public order”, “national unity” or the reputation of the state could lead to penalties including fines of up to $77,000 (£58,000) or even jail.
The warning has prompted some influencers to remove footage from their accounts as tensions in the region intensify.
One influencer said she deleted a video showing burning debris outside her apartment after realising social media users “have to be very careful about what they say”.
Campaign group Detained in Dubai says foreigners in the Gulf state have previously been detained or fined over content posted on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as comments made in WhatsApp messages.
Its campaigners warned that many residents and visitors may not realise when they have crossed a legal line, particularly if they share posts aboutthe UAE’s air defences intercepting Iranian missiles.
Dubai and the wider UAE have already been directly affected by the war in Iran, with missile debris falling across the city over the weekend.
On Saturday evening, debris from an intercepted Iranian missile struck the Fairmont hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai’s most famous tourist resorts. Footage showed flames rising from the building’s atrium.
The following morning, debris from another Iranian missile struck near Dubai International Airport.
There have also been reports of shrapnel damage at the Burj Al Araband the Port of Jebel Ali, along with other civilian locations across the city.
Source: Drudge Report
