UAE Cyber Security Council Issues Warning on Deep Fake Risks and Legal Consequences

UAE Cyber Security Council Warns Users of the Risks Associated with Fraud, Privacy Violations, and Reputation Damage

Abu Dhabi, September 14, 2024 – Ali Al Hammadi, Reporter

The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a strong warning to residents regarding the sharing of deep fake content, emphasizing the potential legal and personal risks it entails. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), deep fake technology has become increasingly sophisticated, allowing the creation of deceptive images, videos, and audio that can be difficult to distinguish from authentic content. This growing trend has raised serious concerns over the potential misuse of such technology, including fraud, privacy violations, damage to reputations, and the spread of misinformation.

What Are Deep Fakes?

Deep fakes are digitally manipulated media files that use AI to alter images, videos, or audio recordings to make them appear as though they feature a real person or scene when they do not. These alterations are often so convincing that even experts can struggle to distinguish between real and fake content. Deep fakes can range from light-hearted entertainment to more sinister purposes, including impersonation, defamation, and malicious intent.

The UAE Cyber Security Council highlighted how deep fake technology can be abused for fraudulent purposes, especially when used to manipulate individuals or organizations into believing false information, thus causing harm or financial loss. 

Legal Implications of Sharing Deep Fakes

Under UAE Cybercrime Law No. 5 of 2012 (amended by Federal Law No. 12 of 2016), sharing or creating false information that causes harm or is intended to deceive others is a criminal offense. The law explicitly prohibits the use of electronic platforms to share content that invades personal privacy, defames individuals, or spreads false information. Individuals found guilty of sharing deep fake content that leads to such consequences can face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Risks of Sharing Deep Fakes

The UAE Cyber Security Council’s alert draws attention to several key risks associated with deep fake content:

1. Fraud: Deep fakes can be used to impersonate individuals or authorities, leading to financial scams or misleading others into making fraudulent transactions. AI-generated videos of company executives, for example, can be used to trick employees or customers into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds to fraudulent accounts.

 2. Privacy Violations: Using someone’s image or voice without their consent constitutes a violation of privacy, a crime under UAE law. Deep fakes can be used to exploit personal data, manipulate intimate photos, or create harmful content that could damage an individual’s reputation and well-being.

   

3. Reputation Damage: Deep fakes can defame public figures, professionals, and private individuals by fabricating content that shows them saying or doing things they did not. This not only harms the person’s reputation but can also lead to legal disputes, loss of trust, and significant professional or personal consequences.

4. Misinformation and Public Confusion: The spread of false information through deep fakes can create confusion and mistrust, particularly when they target public figures, news outlets, or governmental bodies. This could potentially harm public order or disrupt the smooth functioning of government or business operations.

Prevention and Protection

The Cyber Security Council urged users to exercise caution before sharing any content, especially if it appears suspicious or altered. They emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of media content before sharing it online or forwarding it to others. Ignorance is not a valid legal defence in cases where the sharing of deep fakes leads to significant harm, making users responsible for the content they circulate on social platforms.

The Council also warned content creators about the criminal penalties for generating deep fakes with the intention of misleading or defaming others. They reminded citizens and residents that UAE Federal Law No. 45 of 2021 on data protection imposes stringent rules on the misuse of personal data, including facial images or voice recordings used in AI technologies.

Legal Recourse and Reporting Mechanisms

Victims of deep fakes in the UAE have several legal options to seek redress. They can report incidents to the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) or local law enforcement authorities. Depending on the severity of the violation, offenders could face fines ranging from Dh250,000 to Dh2 million, and imprisonment if found guilty of creating or sharing content that violates another person’s privacy or reputation.

In light of the serious implications surrounding deep fake content, the UAE Cyber Security Council has also encouraged residents to utilize its official social media channels to report any suspected deep fake incidents.

Conclusion

As the use of AI in digital content continues to evolve, the legal landscape surrounding privacy, misinformation, and cybercrime is adapting accordingly. The UAE Cyber Security Council’s alert serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers posed by deep fakes and the importance of responsible content sharing. Residents and citizens are urged to remain vigilant and mindful of the content they share online, ensuring they do not unknowingly contribute to fraud, privacy breaches, or damage to someone’s reputation.

With the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure digital environment, those involved in creating, sharing, or disseminating harmful deep fake content will be held accountable under the country's strict cybercrime laws.

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