Artificial intelligence tools capable of manipulating real images are reshaping online safety concerns in the UAE, with experts warning that misuse can cause rapid and lasting harm. The issue gained global attention after several countries blocked access to Grok, an AI tool linked to the creation of sexualised deepfakes, prompting questions about personal digital security closer to home.
According to AI and robotics expert Talal Shaikh of Heriot-Watt University Dubai, fabricated imagery can be created within seconds using just one clear photograph. “The reputational and emotional damage can be severe, particularly in communities where information spreads quickly,” he said, noting a rise in sextortion cases involving AI-generated images.
Such offences are punishable under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which criminalises digital blackmail and image manipulation. Victims are advised to preserve evidence and report incidents promptly through official UAE reporting channels rather than confronting perpetrators directly.
Digital media specialist Elizabeth Rayment, director at YMM Your Mind Media, said public visibility has become a growing vulnerability. “From professional headshots to family photos, images can be repurposed into scams, fake accounts or reputational attacks,” she said.
Experts recommend several immediate precautions, including keeping social media accounts private where possible, restricting image downloads, disabling automatic tagging and stripping location data before sharing photos. Watermarking images can deter misuse, while reverse image searches help identify unauthorised use.
Children and women face heightened risks, experts warn. Parents are urged to avoid sharing high-resolution images of children publicly, especially those showing school uniforms or identifiable locations. UAE legislation such as Wadeema’s Law reinforces the need for extra caution when it comes to minors’ digital privacy.
Authorities including the UAE Cyber Security Council continue to strengthen response frameworks, but experts stress that individual awareness remains critical. “A zero-trust approach to online images is now essential,” Shaikh said. “Early detection and swift reporting can prevent harm from escalating.”
