Introduction to Digital Fraud in the Gulf
The Gulf States are witnessing a significant increase in digital fraud, with scammers using social media and search engines to impersonate public figures and exploit well-known institutions. Despite efforts by Gulf governments to regulate and raise awareness about digital fraud, warnings are being raised about the "laxity" of some platforms in controlling fake content.
The Fight Against Digital Fraud
Prince Khaled bin Al-Waleed bin Talal, president of the Saudi Sports for All Federation, emphasizes the need for big tech companies to get more involved in the fight against digital fraud. He notes that the continued activity of fake accounts and websites is "worrying" despite the intensity of reports. Prince Khaled stresses that social media companies have a clear duty to protect users, especially since they make billions from the region.
Deception Tactics Used by Scammers
Scammers use various tactics to deceive users, including creating fake accounts and websites that resemble official ones. They broadcast exciting content to increase tracking and viewing, and then shift to conversations via messaging applications or external links requesting "registration fees" or participation in fake "sweepstakes" or "grants." These campaigns often combine emotional connotations with symbolic power, using images and logos of well-known charities or public figures.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Fraud
Artificial intelligence has made it easier for scammers to create fake content, including images, videos, and audio that can mislead even experienced users. Prince Khaled emphasizes that combating digital fraud requires a joint effort from platforms and search engines to increase digital awareness and counter fake content. Users must learn to verify what they see, and platforms must build a culture of verification.
Technical Challenges in Combating Digital Fraud
From a technical perspective, Matt Such, founder and CEO of Enidon, notes that platforms face a complex challenge in detecting and preventing digital fraud. Scammers use various channels, including telephone calls, email, and messaging applications, making it difficult for detection systems to keep up. The proliferation of artificial intelligence-generated content and deepfake technologies has made attack methods more complex, challenging traditional detection capabilities.
The Need for Strict Laws and Regulations
Ashraf Zaytoun, former head of public policy for the Middle East and North Africa region at Meta, proposes enacting strict laws with high fines for platforms that do not effectively deal with misleading messages and identity theft. This approach would create internal incentives for platforms to invest in local moderation teams and develop more accurate detection tools for the Arabic language.
Awareness and Responsibility in Combating Digital Fraud
Experts believe that the effective equation for combating digital fraud is based on several integrated pillars, including strengthening local surveillance of Arabic content, developing technical tools to monitor fraudulent behavior, and improving connectivity between platforms. Raising awareness about obtaining information from verified accounts and official sources is also crucial in preventing digital fraud.
The Credibility Test for Platforms
The phenomenon of digital fraud represents a direct test of the credibility of platforms in their largest growth market. The ability to balance freedom of expression, digital security considerations, and the demands of an advertising-based business model requires investments and procedural decisions. Platforms must expand local monitoring teams, improve artificial intelligence models for the Arabic language, and regularly disclose the results of combating misinformation and cheating.
Conclusion
Digital fraud cannot be combated with sporadic initiatives; a sustainable framework is needed that brings together platforms, regulators, and civil society. This framework must balance innovation and protection, increase the costs of infringement for misleading parties, and restore trust in the digital space. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure digital environment for all users.
