Amnesty: UAE intensifies crackdown on expression amid regional tensions
LONDON, June 04 (YPA) – Amnesty International said UAE authorities have carried out a broad campaign targeting online expression related to the U.S.-Israeli aggression with Iran, including the sharing of content and commentary on the war and Iranian attacks affecting Gulf countries.
According to the rights organization, the UAE relied on provisions contained in cybercrime, counterterrorism, and national security legislation to regulate the circulation of information during the conflict.
Amnesty argued that some of these measures exceed the restrictions permitted under international human rights standards.
The organization noted that on March 3, the UAE State Security Service issued directives prohibiting residents from filming, publishing, or sharing what authorities described as unverified or fabricated content, citing security concerns.
It reported that between March 3 and April 8, authorities announced the arrest and detention of at least 375 individuals on allegations related to publishing or circulating videos, images, and other materials linked to regional developments.
In one case highlighted by the organization, Abu Dhabi Police announced on March 20 the arrest of 109 people of various nationalities accused of filming locations and sharing what authorities described as inaccurate information on social media platforms.
The report also cited official statements indicating that some individuals were detained for publishing content viewed by authorities as supportive of a hostile state or its political and military leadership.
Amnesty further said that by late March there were reports of foreign nationals being detained for recording footage of Iranian attacks, while access to several media and social media accounts was reportedly restricted after videos of the incidents were shared online.
The organization also noted that in March 2026 the UAE requested that Meta limit access to 18 Facebook and Instagram accounts connected to coverage of regional security developments. According to Amnesty, Meta restricted access to the accounts despite determining that the content did not violate its platform policies.
The report highlighted the UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021 on combating rumors and cybercrime, as well as other national security provisions, which regulate the dissemination of information deemed harmful to public order, state institutions, or national interests.
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