Khaberni - The Public Prosecution waved the application of statutory penalties stated in the information technology crimes combat system, confirming that defaming others or harming them via technical means is an information crime necessitating accountability.
The prosecution emphasized that the system protects privacy and preserves rights, and criminalizes any unlawful use of technology in abuse or harmful publication, as part of its efforts to protect the digital community from behavioral and media violations.
According to Article Three of the information technology crimes combat system, anyone committing an act that affects others' private lives or reputations or misuses mobile phones and modern technology devices will be punished with imprisonment for no more than a year and a fine not exceeding 500 thousand Riyals, or with one of these two punishments.
Lawyer Salman Al-Ramali explained that the system is among the strictest in protecting reputation and digital privacy, noting that "the punishment is not only related to direct defamation, but extends to any publication or sharing that results in harm or abuse against individuals," according to Okaz.
He added that the Public Prosecution applies the system under the principle of "preventive deterrence," to ensure a safe digital environment, confirming that "every tweet or post that includes abuse or defamation falls within the scope of the information crime even if it is via reposting or offensive commenting."
Al-Ramali confirmed that the system aims to protect privacy and maintain human dignity, and that any digital transgression via social platforms is considered a direct breach of the system, necessitating the implementation of statutory punishment against the perpetrators.
