Saudi criminalises spying on spouse’s phone

Saudi Arabia has introduced an anti-cybercrime law which will criminalise spying on one’s spouse. The new provision comes amidst growing concerns over blackmail, embezzlement and defamation in the Kingdom, which is among the world’s top per capita users of cell phone apps and social media.

“Married individuals planning to spy on their spouse in Saudi Arabia will need to think twice, because such an activity could potentially attract a fine of $133,000, along with a prison term for a year,” read an English language statement released by Saudi Arabia’s information ministry.

The Ministry added that the law will “protect morals of individuals and society and protect privacy”.

Read: Israel counts on Saudi ‘fatwa’ to discourage protests

With half of the Kingdom’s population under the age of 25, social media has become a popular form of escape for young Saudi’s in the ultra-conservative society. While the new law is designed to protect the privacy of users, rights groups will be watching carefully to see if the new provisions are used to supress online expression.

The Kingdom drew sharp criticism by Human Rights Watch over its cybercrime laws back in 2014. The rights group accused Saudi prosecutors and judges of using vague provisions of an anti-cybercrime law to charge and try Saudi citizens for peaceful tweets and social media comments.