The rise of artificial intelligence tools capable of manipulating real images has sparked growing concern among UAE residents, following international backlash against Elon Musk’s Grok platform over the creation of sexualised deepfakes. After Malaysia and Indonesia blocked access to the tool, attention has shifted to how individuals in the UAE can protect themselves from similar misuse.
Experts warn that AI now requires only a single clear photograph to generate harmful or fabricated images within seconds. “The risks are immediate and personal,” said Talal Shaikh, associate professor of AI and robotics at Heriot-Watt University Dubai. “AI can place anyone’s face into compromising content, and in close-knit communities like the UAE, the damage can spread faster than the truth.”
Shaikh highlighted a rise in sextortion cases, where criminals create fake intimate images to blackmail victims. Such acts fall under Federal Decree-Law No. 34 of 2021, which criminalises digital blackmail and image manipulation intended to cause harm.
Even seemingly harmless images — from family gatherings to professional headshots — can be repurposed for scams, fake profiles or identity theft. “A single photograph is enough to generate thousands of manipulated images,” Shaikh said.
Elizabeth Rayment, director at YMM Your Mind Media, said visibility itself has become a risk factor. “Corporate portraits or family photos can be weaponised into convincing deepfakes, leading to reputational, financial and emotional harm.”
Experts recommend tightening privacy settings, limiting who can download or reshare images, disabling automatic tagging and removing location metadata. Watermarking photos using tools such as Canva or Snapseed can add an extra layer of protection, while reverse image searches can help detect misuse early.
If an image is misused, experts advise victims not to engage with perpetrators or delete evidence. Screenshots should be taken and reports filed immediately through platform tools, Dubai Police’s eCrime portal, Abu Dhabi’s Aman service or the MySafe Society app. Resharing manipulated images, even with good intentions, may itself be a legal violation.
Women, children and public-facing professionals are particularly vulnerable. UAE laws, including Wadeema’s Law, provide heightened protections for minors, making responsible sharing essential. Experts stress that awareness, fast reporting and cautious online behaviour remain the first line of defence.
