Dubai Police Workshop Addresses Social Media Misuse For Drug Promotion And Safety Strategies

The GCC-Criminal Information Center to Combat Drugs, in collaboration with Dubai Police's Hemaya International Center, hosted a workshop at the Dubai Police Officers’ Club. The event focused on preventing the misuse of social media for drug promotion. Attendees included Major General Eid Mohammed Thani Harib and Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, among others from various international and regional organisations.

Major General Thani Harib highlighted that the workshop was in line with decisions made by GCC Interior Ministers during their 41st meeting in Doha. The primary aim was to discuss strategies to prevent social media misuse for drug sales. He noted that it facilitated the exchange of expertise and best practices to enhance community protection against these risks.

Brigadier Khalid Bin Muwaiza emphasised the involvement of several social media companies in supporting joint recommendations. These recommendations focused on user safety, harmful content, transparency, privacy, and social responsibility. Discussions centred on measures needed to prevent criminal networks from exploiting platforms for drug promotion.

The first session titled "Introduction to Digital Crime in Drug Sales" featured presentations by Aymeric Salamone from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Lieutenant Colonel Saeed Musbah Al Nuaimi and First Lieutenant Engineer Ahmed Saeed Al Ameri also contributed insights into analysing social media accounts using artificial intelligence.

The second session explored "Methods of Promotion and Lure." Dr. Al Kuwaiti discussed cyber threats in the digital age, highlighting the UAE’s global cybersecurity ranking. He stressed the need for continual updates to counter emerging risks. Representatives from EDGE presented strategies for combating online drug sales.

Mohammed Bin Thani, Director of Information Technology Security at the Dubai Cyber Security Center, spoke about personal awareness in cybersecurity. His presentation underscored the importance of individual vigilance in maintaining online safety amidst growing cyber threats.

Regional Cooperation Emphasised

The workshop concluded by reaffirming the significance of coordinated regional action. This cooperation aims to ensure that social media platforms remain safe spaces supporting communication, cultural exchange, and community wellbeing.

With inputs from WAM