UAE experts warn youth of AI voice cloning, digital drug traps

Artificial intelligence-powered voice cloning is emerging as a growing tool for digital fraud in the UAE, with experts warning that criminals can now imitate trusted individuals and pressure victims into sending money.

Experts Warn of AI-Powered Voice Scams

The warning was raised during a youth-led session held alongside the 15th United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi.

The session, titled “The Role of Youth in Preventing Crime and Addressing Emerging Crimes in the Digital Age,” brought together youth leaders, legal experts and prosecutors to discuss digital crime, online fraud and the misuse of AI.

AI expert Dr Noora Alshamsi said criminals are increasingly using advanced technology to create convincing fake content. She noted that AI can replicate voices and produce realistic videos within seconds, making it harder for people and institutions to identify fraudulent activity.

Legal researcher Khaled Diab said voice-cloning technology is being used in fraud schemes where criminals impersonate trusted individuals and send deceptive messages or make calls demanding urgent financial transfers.

Such scams can exploit fear and urgency, making victims less likely to stop and verify who is actually contacting them.

Diab also stressed that preventing digital crime should not be the responsibility of institutions alone and highlighted the important role young people can play in developing awareness initiatives and recommendations.

Youth Urged to Take an Active Role

Basma Obaid Alkamali, chairman of the Youth Council at the Ministry of Justice, said young people can contribute to the justice system by using their digital skills to improve public services and simplify legal processes.

She also emphasised that technological innovation should remain connected to legal and human-centred values.

Warning Over Online Drug Promotion

The session also addressed the growing use of social media and messaging platforms to promote illegal drugs.

Saif Al Muttawa, a public prosecutor at Dubai Public Prosecution's Narcotics Prosecution, warned young people not to develop a false sense of security online. He said illegal drugs can be promoted through digital channels and disguised within products that appear ordinary.

He urged young people to verify information and avoid unauthorised online channels.

The discussions highlighted the importance of improving digital and legal literacy among young people as technology continues to reshape the nature of crime.

The session concluded that greater awareness, youth participation and cooperation between institutions and communities will be important in addressing emerging digital threats and strengthening crime prevention strategies.