Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
Media and communication specialists have called for stronger public awareness and responsible online behaviour following a renewed warning from UAE authorities against spreading rumours and unverified information.
In an official statement on Saturday, the UAE's Public Prosecution cautioned against publishing or circulating rumours, false news or information from unknown sources through social media platforms, or any other digital channels, as such action "may lead to spreading confusion and harming the security and stability of society".
The authority stressed the importance of obtaining information exclusively from official and approved sources and urged the public not to be misled by unverified content.
It also warned that individuals who share or republish material from unknown sources may face legal accountability under UAE law, even if they were not the original creators of the content.
The advisory comes at a time when digital platforms allow content to spread within minutes, with algorithms and user engagement amplifying the reach of unverified claims and increasing the risk of public anxiety.
Dima Mahboubeh, trainer and expert in media and information literacy, explained that the spread of misleading content is often driven by emotional reactions, personal biases, and algorithms that favour sensational content over fact-checking.
"It is essential to strengthen awareness so individuals can distinguish between misinformation shared unintentionally and disinformation deliberately created to mislead," she told Aletihad, warning that many posts deliberately use emotionally charged language to encourage impulsive sharing.
Mahboubeh stressed that responsible engagement begins with verifying the credibility of online sources and tracing information back to its origin.
She also advised users to cross-check shared information with multiple independent outlets, confirm dates and context, and examine images and videos through reverse-search tools.
"Combating rumours and false information is no longer the responsibility of a single entity; it is a collective duty that demands critical thinking, awareness, and careful consideration before believing or publishing any information," Mahboubeh added.
Dr Bayan Qudah, media and communication specialist, echoed these concerns, noting that addressing misinformation and disinformation requires a coordinated and sustained effort among professional media institutions, official entities, and the public.
"Institutional transparency and responsible communication are essential to maintaining public trust, while individuals also bear responsibility for refraining from sharing unverified or misleading content," she told Aletihad.
During periods of uncertainty, Dr Qudah explained, information circulates rapidly, which makes prioritising accuracy over speed all the more important. She urged users to rely on credible and official sources and examine the original publication date and context to ensure content is current.
"Referring to primary sources or original statements instead of relying on selective quotations or sensational headlines is equally important," Qudah added, noting that individuals should avoid disseminating information before confirming its accuracy.
