The Shura Council yesterday unanimously approved amendments to the 1976 Penal Code imposing tougher punishments on people misusing social media and broadcast channels.
This breaks a deadlock over the issue after the upper chamber of the National Assembly initially approved the move in November last year before some members raised concerns over what would constitute as crimes and whether new technological advancements were taken into consideration.
However, the legislation now goes to Parliament for a second review and, if approved, it will be forwarded to His Majesty King Hamad for ratification.
The amended Article 370 of the legislation recommends jail terms of up to three years and fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000 on ‘Peeping Toms’ and individuals found guilty of taking or spreading inappropriate photographs or videos of others, or those injured in traffic accidents.
The punishment also extends to those convicted of editing or broadcasting the pictures or videos, and those who record and broadcast a ‘private conversation’, spread rumours intended to harm others, or circulate images of those injured or killed in accidents.
Defamation through mass media could lead to jail for up to three years or fines of between BD1,000 and BD3,000. Should multiple related offences be committed, the fine would range from BD3,000 to BD5,000 with the violator facing jail time of up to five years.
Under proposed amendments to Article 372, those who open or read private communications could face jail sentences of up to three years and fines of between BD500 and BD1,000.
Leaking information from letters or calls would carry a fine of between BD500 and BD1,000, or jail time of up to three years or both.
However, if the offence is carried out intentionally to cause harm, then the fine jumps to between BD2,000 and BD5,000, or jail for up to three years, or both.
Under Article 354, inciting others to public indecency in words or actions could lead to fines of between BD100 and BD1,000, jail of between three to six months, or both. Currently, offenders face a spell behind bars for up to three months and fines of just BD20.
Shura’s foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Ali Al Rumaihi said the legislation sought to end the anguish in some people’s lives caused by the misuse of social media and broadcasting channels.
Shura’s second vice-chairwoman Dr Jihad Al Fadhel said whenever the legislation is issued its executive bylaws had to be clearly explained.
Member Dr Ali Al Haddad said AI had blurred the line between reality and fabrication.
“The Interior Ministry has to improve its investigation methods to match a rise in AI-oriented crimes dealing with videos, photos and audios.”
MPs unanimously approved the legislation in March last year, drafted on a proposal by the Shura Council after a consensus was reached with the government.
The ministers of Interior and Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the Supreme Judicial Council, the National Institution for Human Rights and the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission have all backed the amendments.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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