The Public Prosecution warns against cyber harassment and its penalties

The Public Prosecution in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia renewed its strict warnings regarding the crime of electronic harassment, stressing that the system in the Kingdom does not tolerate any violations that affect the dignity of the individual or offend his modesty, whether those violations are in the tangible reality or through the digital space.

The concept of cyber harassment and its details

The Public Prosecution, through its official account on the "X" platform (formerly Twitter), clarified that the crime of harassment is not limited to direct physical contact, but extends to include any statement, action, or gesture with sexual connotations made by one person towards another. It emphasized that any act that violates the victim's body or honor, or offends her modesty, is subject to legal accountability. The Public Prosecution also clearly indicated that the use of modern technology, including social media platforms and various digital applications, constitutes a means of committing this punishable crime.

Legal context and legislative background

This warning is based on the anti-harassment law adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represents a significant step forward in penal legislation aimed at protecting privacy, dignity, and personal freedoms guaranteed by Islamic law and applicable regulations. This law was enacted earlier as part of comprehensive legislative reforms to ensure a safe environment for all segments of society and to provide legal protection against any abusive practices, as harassment is considered a crime that violates public decency and moral values.

Technical challenges and digital transformation

With the significant expansion in technology use and the digital transformation underway in the Kingdom, and the increasing reliance on cyberspace for communication, work, and entertainment, the urgent need to strengthen oversight of digital behavior has become apparent. The Public Prosecution's statement emphasizes that cyberspace is not a lawless zone, and that crimes committed online are subject to the same rigorous standards as traditional crimes, ensuring that technology is not exploited to harm others or violate their privacy.

Importance and societal impact

This legal tightening is of paramount importance at both the local and regional levels, as it reinforces the concept of "quality of life" and community security, two fundamental pillars of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. By rigorously enforcing these regulations, the relevant authorities aim to create a clean and safe digital environment, encouraging positive interaction and fostering trust in the use of digital platforms. This warning also sends a strong deterrent message to anyone tempted to exploit online anonymity to commit ethical transgressions, emphasizing that protecting society and promoting positive behaviors is a paramount and non-negotiable priority.