Filming incident locations has been prohibited during the ongoing war to prevent Iran from assessing the outcomes of its strikes or gaining insight into Bahrain’s defence capabilities, according to the Interior Ministry.
In a public service announcement posted on social media yesterday, the ministry explained that videos of attacks and drone or missile interceptions could inadvertently reveal sensitive operational details.
“Filming during incidents is not just reporting the news... it may expose sensitive information,” the ministry’s General Directorate of Anti-Corruption, Economic and Electronic Security explained.
Metadata embedded in images may expose the exact location of the incident or its co-ordinates. Imagery shared can also allow the enemy to evaluate the damage and decide whether another strike is needed.
Photos may also reveal weapons, defence systems and military equipment, while helping the enemy identify troop movements and positions.
Videos of an incident can also reveal how quickly security and emergency services respond to the crisis.
Publishing images may lead to the same location being targeted again, putting civilian lives at risk.
The ministry also warned that images can be used for misinformation or psychological influence, as part of an information warfare and propaganda campaign.
“Sharing such footage may provide the enemy with useful information and put others at risk,” the ministry added. “During crises and wars, avoid posting photos or live streams from incident locations.
“Awareness is a responsibility – protecting the nation starts with responsible information.”
The GDN has previously reported that the General Command of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) has banned photographing, filming, publishing, sharing or re-posting any images, videos, recordings, or information related to military operations, troop deployment locations, unit movements, military vehicles, equipment, or military sites under its authority.
The ban is based on Article (17 bis) of the Military Judiciary Law of 2002 and Article (135) of the Penal Code of 1976.
The BDF stressed that the prohibition also covers the circulation or promotion of unverified or fabricated information concerning events, attacks, or violations targeting the kingdom, including content created or disseminated using modern technologies.
The ban applies across all platforms, including traditional media, digital outlets, and social media, whether directly or indirectly.
It further extends to any actions that could endanger national security, facilitate the targeting of military or vital installations, disrupt ongoing defence operations, or compromise the safety of the armed forces, citizens, and residents.
The Interior Ministry also confirmed that anyone who films, publishes, or republishes video clips from the scene of the events will be held legally accountable, stressing that this constitutes a legal violation that could harm security and public order.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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