Oman authorities remind social media users that legal responsibility begins before sharing private content.
Oman’s Public Prosecution has warned against the misuse of digital technology and social media, reminding users that sharing private photos, videos, conversations or personal information without consent may result in criminal charges.
In a social media advisory, the authority said that photographing, recording, sharing, revealing, copying or storing another person’s images or videos without their permission is a punishable offence under Oman’s Law on Combating Cybercrimes.
Sharing harmful content can result in legal action
Oman’s Public Prosecution said that publishing digital news, images, audio or video clips, comments, data or other information with the intention of causing harm to others is prohibited, even when the content is accurate or authentic.
Authorities stressed that legal accountability begins before users press the “share” button, as even seemingly small actions online can lead to serious criminal consequences.
UAE travellers to Oman should take note
Visitors from the UAE travelling to Oman should be aware of the country’s strict digital privacy laws. Sharing photos, videos, conversations or personal information involving others without their consent may result in legal action.
Visitors and residents are advised to exercise caution before posting or sharing content online, as violations of Oman’s cybercrime law can result in penalties of up to three years in prison and fines reaching RO5,000.
Penalties under Oman’s cybercrime law
Such offences are covered under Article 36, paragraphs (2) and (3), of Oman’s Law on Combating Cybercrimes, issued under Royal Decree 61/2026.
Those found in violation may face:
- Imprisonment for up to three years
- A fine of up to RO5,000
- Or both penalties combined
Disclosure of private conversations prohibited
In a separate advisory, the Public Prosecution warned that intercepting, recording, transmitting, sharing or revealing conversations, communications, or audio and visual content without proper authorisation is also considered a criminal offence.
Under Article 36(1) of Oman’s cybercrime law, offenders may face imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of RO5,000, or one of the two penalties.
The authority urged the public to respect others’ privacy, act responsibly online and be aware of the legal consequences before sharing any digital content.
