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Penalties could be imposed on individuals found guilty of using artificial intelligence (AI) or modern technologies to produce or falsify visual or audio materials that could harm people’s reputations or bring families into disrepute.
The Shura Council is set to vote on a proposed amendment to the Information Technology Crimes Law on Sunday.
Under the amendment, citizens and residents who use technology to create or falsify visual or audio material with the intent to circulate, distribute or publish it – in a way that exposes others to contempt or damages their reputation – would face imprisonment and fines ranging from BD3,000 to BD10,000, or both.
The legislative proposal, submitted by five council members led by human rights committee vice-chairman Ali Al Shehabi, aims to add a new article (10 bis) to Law No (60) of 2014 concerning Information Technology Crimes.
It seeks to criminalise the deliberate use of AI tools and digital platforms to create or circulate manipulated audio or video materials without consent.
If endorsed during the session, the proposal will be referred to the council’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee for in-depth study.
Mr Al Shehabi
Mr Al Shehabi said the initiative comes amid rapid advances in AI and the increasing misuse of technology to create deepfake content.
“In today’s virtual world, the rapid evolution of AI-driven tools enables any user to generate highly realistic video or audio content that can imitate real individuals,” Mr Al Shehabi explained.
“While these technologies have positive applications in engineering, art, and education, they also pose serious risks when misused to manipulate truth or impersonate others.”
He warned that such acts can have severe personal and social consequences, including defamation, character assassination and the violation of individual rights and privacy.
“We are witnessing a global rise in the use of deepfake technology to fabricate statements, falsify events, or attribute words and actions to innocent people,” he said.
“This makes legislative intervention not just timely but essential to safeguard social stability and protect the dignity of individuals and families.”
Mr Al Shehabi emphasised that the proposed law is not aimed at limiting technological innovation, but at ensuring responsible use of digital tools.
“We encourage innovation and the constructive use of AI,” he noted. However, it is equally important to draw clear legal boundaries that deter exploitation or malicious misuse that could threaten reputation or public order.”
The explanatory memorandum accompanying the proposal references His Majesty King Hamad’s directives during the opening of the third ordinary session of the sixth legislative term. He highlighted the importance of employing modern technologies such as AI within clear frameworks and ethical standards.
The memorandum further clarifies that while Bahrain’s existing Penal Code (Decree-Law No 15 of 1976) already penalises the misuse of communication devices, and Law No (60) of 2014 addresses a range of cybercrimes, neither explicitly covers crimes involving the use of AI for falsifying visual or audio content.
Meanwhile, the legislative and legal affairs committee, chaired by Dalal Al Zayed, a co-signee, confirmed the constitutional and legal soundness of the proposal.
“This law will help ensure that the benefits of technological progress are not overshadowed by its potential harms,” Mr Al Shehabi added.
“It reflects Bahrain’s commitment to responsible digital governance and the protection of personal dignity in the age of AI.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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