Dubai: Coinciding with International Law Day, observed annually on 13th September, the General Department of Administrative Affairs, represented by the Legal Affairs Department at Dubai Police, organised a legal forum titled ‘Deepfake and Proactive Legislation.’ The event aimed to address the key legal challenges associated with emerging technologies and explore forward-looking legislative solutions that safeguard individual and community rights in the age of artificial intelligence.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussions focused on two main themes: ‘Challenges of Deepfake Technology’ and ‘Biometric Rights between Traditional Law and Modern Technology.’ Saif Al Falasi, Director of the Legal Affairs Department, emphasised that the forum reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to keeping pace with legislative developments linked to advanced technologies. He noted that the choice of deepfake technology as the theme highlights the risks posed by its misuse in crimes threatening personal and institutional security.
He explained that the forum not only explores challenges but also seeks to develop proactive visions and practical solutions that strengthen the legislative system, including penalties for those misusing such tools to commit crimes against individuals or institutions. He added that the event serves as a platform to raise community awareness of deepfake risks, underline the role of law in protecting biometric rights and personal data, and ensure privacy and digital identity security.
At Dubai Police, the belief is that these challenges can only be met through an integrated partnership between security bodies, academic institutions, and legal organisations. This guarantees that modern technologies are harnessed while firmly countering their risks, thereby preserving community security and reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a pioneer in progressive legislation that keeps pace with modern developments.
Senior Expert Colonel Hamad Jumaa Al Ajmi addressed the criminal dimension of deepfake, explaining its reliance on AI systems to generate fabricated yet realistic images, videos, or voices. While acknowledging its positive applications in research, education, business, commerce, and entertainment, he highlighted its serious implications for public trust, privacy, security, crime prevention, innovation, and digital communication.
He outlined criminal cases involving personal identity fraud, falsification of electronic evidence, misinformation, and extortion, and discussed relevant legislative provisions and associated penalties. He also presented international cases where criminals used deepfake in fraud and theft, reviewed the most common software tools employed, and proposed methods to detect and counter such misuse.
The forum concluded with an extensive panel discussion featuring a group of panellists who examined the practical challenges of deepfake technology and proposed suitable solutions. Audience members were also invited to participate, with their questions and concerns addressed directly.