UAE Minister Warns of Dual Threat from Iranian Missiles and AI-Powered Misinformation

Global leaders face escalating challenges due to advanced technology exploited by hostile actors, according to Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State. Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, she highlighted that security threats during the regional war extended beyond physical attacks to include the rapid dissemination of fake news and misinformation.

“There were two [kinds of] strikes [when Iran attacked] … from the sky and behind our screens,” she stated, emphasizing that misinformation is treated as a severe security threat. Referencing a 2018 Massachusetts Institute of Technology report which found false stories were 70 percent more likely to be shared on social media than accurate reports, she warned that artificial intelligence could further amplify these risks. “Imagine that situation now with AI being able to fabricate news,” Ms Al Kaabi noted, stressing the need for rapid responses and verified communication channels.

Ms Al Kaabi also emphasized empowering the region's youth to help shape the narrative through their preferred platforms. Meanwhile, tech platforms and officials are responding to the rising threat; Nikita Bier, the head of product at X, announced potential penalties for unlabelled AI content, and Meta's supervisory board urged stricter rules on deceptive AI during conflicts.

Gulf countries targeted by Iran since late February have consistently urged residents to rely on official sources and avoid sharing unverified footage or images of missile interceptions. Dr Hamad Al Shamsi, the UAE's Attorney General, cautioned that recording or distributing such media could cause panic, create false impressions, or involve AI-manipulated content, noting that breaches of these regulations constitute a criminal offense subject to prosecution.