Dubai Police Addresses Deepfake Technology Challenges At International Law Day Forum

The General Department of Administrative Affairs at Dubai Police, through its Legal Affairs Department, organised a legal forum titled "Deepfake and Proactive Legislation." This event coincided with International Law Day on 13th September. The forum aimed to tackle legal challenges posed by emerging technologies and explore legislative solutions to protect individual and community rights in the era of artificial intelligence.

Saif Al Falasi, Director of the Legal Affairs Department, highlighted that the forum reflects Dubai Police's dedication to staying updated with legislative developments related to advanced technologies. He noted that focusing on deepfake technology underscores the risks associated with its misuse in crimes that threaten personal and institutional security.

The discussions centred on two main themes: "Challenges of Deepfake Technology" and "Biometric Rights between Traditional Law and Modern Technology." Al Falasi explained that the forum not only examines challenges but also aims to develop proactive visions and practical solutions to enhance the legislative system. This includes penalties for those who misuse such tools for criminal activities against individuals or institutions.

Senior Expert Colonel Hamad Jumaa Al Ajmi discussed the criminal aspects of deepfake technology. He explained how it relies on AI systems to create fabricated yet realistic images, videos, or voices. While acknowledging its positive uses in research, education, business, commerce, and entertainment, he stressed its serious implications for public trust, privacy, security, crime prevention, innovation, and digital communication.

Al Falasi added that the event serves as a platform to raise community awareness about deepfake risks. It emphasises the role of law in protecting biometric rights and personal data while ensuring privacy and digital identity security. He stated: "At Dubai Police, we believe these challenges can only be met through an integrated partnership between security bodies, academic institutions, and legal organisations."

Colonel Al Ajmi outlined criminal cases involving personal identity fraud, falsification of electronic evidence, misinformation, and extortion. He discussed relevant legislative provisions and associated penalties. Additionally, he presented international cases where criminals used deepfake in fraud and theft. He reviewed common software tools employed for such purposes and proposed methods to detect and counter misuse.

Community Awareness and Security

The forum concluded with a panel discussion featuring experts who examined practical challenges of deepfake technology. They proposed suitable solutions while audience members participated by asking questions and expressing concerns directly addressed by panellists. This engagement underscores Dubai Police's commitment to fostering community awareness about technological risks.

Al Falasi emphasised that collaboration among security bodies, academic institutions, and legal organisations is crucial. This ensures modern technologies are utilised beneficially while mitigating their risks. Such efforts aim to preserve community security and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leader in progressive legislation aligned with modern developments.

With inputs from WAM