Muscat: Oman’s Public Prosecution has warned that anyone who shares another person’s photos, videos, conversations or personal information without consent could face criminal prosecution, including up to three years in prison and fines of up to 5,000 Omani rials (around ₹12.5 lakh).
The warning forms part of the country’s awareness campaign against the misuse of digital technology and reinforces Oman’s strict cybercrime and digital privacy laws.
Authorities said that photographing, recording, copying, storing, transmitting or publishing another person’s images, videos or personal content without their permission is a punishable offence under the Cybercrime Law, introduced under Royal Decree No. 61 of 2026.
The Public Prosecution also stressed that publishing news, photographs, videos, audio clips, opinions or other information with the intention of harming or defaming another person is illegal—even if the information is factually correct. Officials warned that legal responsibility begins the moment a user chooses to publish or share content online.
The advisory also applies to visitors travelling to Oman, including those arriving from the UAE and other countries. Tourists, residents and expatriates are all required to comply with the country’s digital privacy regulations while in Oman.
Under Article 36(2) and Article 36(3) of the Cybercrime Law, offenders may face:
Up to three years’ imprisonment
A fine of up to 5,000 Omani rials
Or both imprisonment and a fine
The Public Prosecution further clarified that private phone conversations, messages, audio recordings and video content are also protected under the law. Under Article 36(1), recording, distributing or publishing such content without permission is likewise punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 5,000 Omani rials, or both.
Authorities urged the public to respect others’ privacy and understand the legal consequences before sharing any content on social media or other digital platforms.
