We all know that social media becomes a big part of our generation nowadays. Because of that, people tend to be more expressive in posting every single thing that is happening in their everyday lives. Well, it’s a way something different in Qatar. Residents of Qatar only used Internet for communication and information though news and social media websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and etc. In this article, we will be able to know the things that should be avoided to do on Social Media in Qatar.
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The Emir of Qatar signed a law that contains rules and regulations to protect social media users from abusive activities happening online. This also promotes social values not only in their country but also to others. Here are some of the things that people should not do on social media in Qatar.
Qatar Social Media Law – Online Violations, Penalties and Fines
Please make sure you follow these guidelines and you should be aware that you cannot freely post your sentiments online. There are strict policies and practices you should follow and be aware of to avoid penalties and fines.
- Spreading False News
Any fake news regarding the information of the state’s safety, public order, and international peace that are spread on the internet by any Qatar resident shall be fined up to 500,000 Riyals, or up to 3 years of imprisonment.
- Producing Pornographic Materials
Any pornographic materials that are spread or shared on the internet by Qatar residents shall be fined with 500,000 Riyals, and up to 5 years of imprisonment.
- Violating Social Values or Principles
Any news, pictures, or videos, posted by Qatar residents to the internet regarding to the person’s family without their permission or consent shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, and up to 3 years of imprisonment.
- Posting disrespectful contents against religious beliefs
According to the Social Crimes Chapter of the Qatar Penal Code, if a resident posted any disrespectful content against any religion shall be fined with 10,000 Riyals, or up to 10 years of imprisonment. On the other hand, according to “Crimes Related to Religions and the Violability of the Dead”, the person who violated the rule shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, or up to 1 year of imprisonment.
- Spreading Private Information of People
According to Article 333 of Qatar Penal Code, “whoever illegally intrudes into another person’s private life and without consent” through different means such as taking pictures of other people in a private place using any type of device, shall be fined up to 5,000 Riyals, or up to 1 year of imprisonment.
- Slandering or Threatening a Person Online
Insults, slanders, threats, and blackmails in the internet are also can be subjected similarly with criminal sanctions. Any blackmail, bullying, or threatening activities of a person on the internet shall be fined with 100,000 Riyals, and 3 years of imprisonment.
All of these violations on social media rules in Qatar give rise to criminal sanctions which can be attributed with fines or imprisonment. Additionally, if there are foreign nationals who violate these rules,they may be deported as per the court order.
So please take note of these properly to avoid issues in the future. These may be specific to Qatar, but for any country in the Gulf region, it is always best to understand them as they are also applicable in other countries where you are residing in the Middle East as an expat.
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