United Arab Emirates has arrested 45 individuals for allegedly spreading misleading information on social media platforms.
The arrests were made as part of efforts to curb the spread of false content online and to maintain the integrity of digital information shared across social media.
Authorities in the UAE maintain that strict action against misinformation is necessary to prevent the circulation of fake news and content that could mislead the public.
The development has also started a debate on social media in Pakistan, where netizens say that misleading information and fake news are often circulated online without accountability. They claimed that action against such content is sometimes portrayed as a threat to freedom of expression.
It is important to mention here that these arrests have highlighted ongoing discussions about the balance between tackling misinformation and protecting freedom of speech in the digital age.
Earlier, Indonesia unveiled new restrictions on the access of social media for kids under the age of 16, making it the latest country to announce restrictions for ensuring online safety for young people.
The country’s Communications and Digital Ministry said in a statement on Friday that the policy is aimed at minimising issues like cyber-bullying, exposure to harmful content and growing worries about social media addiction among minors.
Around the globe, governments have also begun increasingly regulating children’s access to social media because of growing concerns about the impact of social media on their ability to stay safe and healthy.
Australia recently imposed a ban on the use of social media for children under the age of 16 in December.
Spain also announced last month that it was going to restrict access to social media for minors.
Indonesia’s neighbour Malaysia has also stated that it will implement a ban on social media for users under the age of 16 from 2026.
Indonesia’s Communications and Digital Minister Meutya Hafid said in a video statement that the government will “delay access” to social media accounts held by children under the age of 16 with a ministerial regulation that was issued on Friday.
According to her, accounts belonging to children on what the government calls “high risk platforms” will be deactivated on the basis of a gradual process from March 28.
The selection of platforms impacted by the new policy are TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Roblox.
Also read: PTA urges responsible social media use amid national concerns
