Expats in the UAE have been cautioned against spreading fake news, a severe offense that can result in a fine of up to Dh200,000 and imprisonment.
Warning Against Spreading Fake News
This warning follows a spate of social media posts falsely claiming that over 160 Filipinos were diagnosed with HIV in the first half of 2024. Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, along with other community leaders, have emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it online.
Ambassador Ver stressed, That We should not post any news or information before confirming it from official sources." He highlighted the UAE government's stringent measures against the dissemination of false information. Under UAE law, individuals found guilty of spreading rumors and fake news face penalties ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh200,000, along with imprisonment for one to two years.
Source of Misinformation
The misleading posts, which recently appeared on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, falsely claimed that 166 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) had tested positive for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) between January and May of this year. These posts were tagged as "Breaking News UAE Dubai/Satwa," suggesting that the events took place in the UAE and specifically warning Filipinos residing in the Satwa area of Dubai.
This wave of misinformation emerged following remarks by Philippine Department of Health Minister Ted Herbosa, who had expressed concern about an "alarming rise in new HIV cases in the Philippines." However, the claims about the 166 HIV-positive OFWs were actually a distortion of a report originally published by a UAE daily newspaper in August 2011. The original article discussed HIV cases among migrant Filipino workers from January to July of that year and did not mention Dubai or the UAE.
The fake news posts had crudely altered the original report by overlaying new text to change the dates from July to January to May, thereby misleading the public. This deceptive practice underscores the need for individuals to critically evaluate the information they encounter online and to rely on credible sources.
Ambassador Ver's call to action is crucial in combating the spread of fake news, which can cause unnecessary panic and harm. He urged the Filipino community in the UAE to exercise caution and to always verify the authenticity of news before sharing it. This approach not only helps maintain social harmony but also ensures that the community remains well-informed with accurate information.
The repercussions of spreading false information in the UAE are severe, reflecting the country's commitment to maintaining public order and protecting its residents from the harmful effects of misinformation. By adhering to these regulations and promoting the responsible sharing of information, the community can help foster a more informed and cohesive society.
The recent spread of fake news about HIV-positive OFWs in Dubai serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of misinformation. The Philippine ambassador's and community leaders' call for vigilance highlights the importance of confirming information through official channels and the serious consequences of failing to do so. This incident reinforces the need for a collective effort to combat fake news and uphold the integrity of information shared within the community.
