TAKING PICTURES AND POSTING THEM ONLINE CAN LEAD YOU TO PRISON WHILE IN SAUDI ARABIA

Few weeks ago, I came across a circular released by the Philippines Embassy in Riyadh to Filipinos in the Kingdom cautioning them against inappropriate use of social media sites such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram and others as well as the consequences of misuse of such sites while in the Kingdom.

Majority of expatriate community, Kenyans included are unaware of Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cyber Crime Law which is one of the harshest in the World. Many have found themselves in jails and fined for posts, pictures they shared on social sites without knowing the dangers they are getting themselves into.

So, what does one need to know about the Kingdoms anti-cyber-crime laws?. Well, first one has to put in mind that the Saudi ICT regulator, Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) monitors all social media sites and accounts accessed within the Kingdom in addition to liaising with religious police (Haia/Mutawwas) and they have authority to block social media accounts and arrest those who breach the law.

Below are some of Saudi Arabia Anti-cybercrime laws under Article 70 of the Saudi Laws which are vital for Kenyans or any another person living in the Kingdom to know:

• 1.    Posting statements that undermine the Saudi culture and religion-this can lead you to imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of upto 3 million Riyals or both punishment
• 2.     Accessing pornographic/ gambling sites- if a person is found gulty he/she will be imprisoned for 5 years and fined 3 million Riyals or both punishment
• 3.    Taking Pictures (by using phones or other camera gadgets) of people or family members of Saudi/Expats and posting them online without their permission-this is punishable with a 1 year imprisonment and a fine of upto 500,000 Riyals or both punishment
• 4. Hacking of websites-one can be subjected to a jail term of 1 year and a fine of 500,000 riyals
• 5.    Engaging in debates that criticize Saudi religion or political institutions- one can be jailed for 5 years and fine upto 5 million Riyals or both punishment
• 6.    Communicating or publicizing terrorist organizations or leaders or members of any banned  group- a person will be subjected to imprisonment of upto 10 years and a fine of 5 million Riyals
• 7.    Inciting protests or harming public order as well as collaborating in such activities- this leads to a jail term of upto 10 years, a fine of upto 5 million Riyals as well as being barred from travelling abroad or banned from entering the Kingdom
• 8.    Defamatory or slanderous statements or post that inflict damage upon others – person found guilty can be jailed for 1 year and fined 500,000 riyals or both punishment

In Addition to these, it’s important to remember that social chat Apps such as Whatsapp and Skype are monitored through a local server and this is what led to Viber being blocked after failing to comply with Saudi regulations.

For questions or suggestion feel free to leave a comment below