In brief
Defines cybercrimes and their penalties, including unlawful access, interception, blackmail, defamation and invasion of privacy through devices and networks, online fraud, and content harmful to public order.
Summary of the law
Most common offences
- Defaming or harming others through technology, invading privacy by misusing camera phones, and unlawful access to threaten or blackmail someone: up to one year and SAR 500,000, or either (Article 3).
- Producing, sending or storing through the network content that harms public order, religious values, public morals or privacy: up to five years and SAR 3 million, or either (Article 6).
Other rules
- The penalty is at least half the maximum with an aggravating circumstance listed in Article 8, and incitement, assistance and conspiracy are punished (Article 9).
- Devices and software used may be confiscated (Article 13), and Royal Decree M/54 of 1436H allows publication of a summary of the judgment at the offender's expense.
A plain-language summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm, focused on the violations and problems that come up most in daily life. It is not a substitute for the official text or for legal advice.
What it covers
- Unlawful access and interception
- Defamation and invasion of privacy
- Online fraud and financial cybercrime
- Aggravation and confiscation
Timeline
- Issued: Royal Decree M/17 · 8/3/1428H
- Amendments: Royal Decree M/54 · 22/7/1436H. Amendment to some articles (shown on the law's page at the Bureau of Experts)
Full record of amendments and regulations at the official source
Official text at the Bureau of Experts
The authoritative text is in Arabic; the Bureau of Experts publishes English translations for some laws.
Full official text
The full official text is in Arabic and is reproduced on the Arabic version of this page, as published by the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers. Read the full Arabic text
Library content is simplified general information for awareness only. It is not legal advice and does not replace the official text. Laws change: always check the official source and consult a lawyer before acting. Library data last reviewed: .