The UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has urged residents to verify the accuracy of information before sending or forwarding messages on WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The authority noted that even content shared with good intentions can contribute to the spread of misinformation.

According to the TDRA, indicators of fake or misleading messages include suspicious links, spelling and grammatical errors, and unusual design or formatting. Users are advised to check whether the information has been published by reputable media outlets or official sources before resharing.

The TDRA also recommended that if an individual inadvertently shares misinformation within a family or friend group, others should provide a respectful correction to prevent further dissemination.

This warning comes as legal experts have previously emphasized that private WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms are not exempt from the UAE’s cybercrime laws. Forwarding a message can be legally considered as republishing content, even if the sender is not the original author.

Consequently, publishing false, misleading, or defamatory material, as well as sharing private images or conversations without consent, can lead to legal repercussions. Experts state that in such cases, chat histories, screenshots, and message-related data can be used as evidence.

Authorities have advised users to examine the source, links, writing style, and credibility of news before clicking the "forward" button. If any doubt exists, users should refrain from resharing the content.