Penalties for Defamation and Cyber Extortion in KSA Law

With rapid technological advancements and openness to social media, cybercrimes have significantly surged.

The Saudi legislator strictly addressed these violations through the Anti-Cyber Crime Law.

This law aims to protect privacy and reputation, ensuring a safe and secure digital environment for the community.

Defamation and Digital Slander

Cyberspace is no longer a free zone for insults or baseless accusations:

• When it Occurs: Publishing offensive images or texts containing mockery or false accusations intended to harm.

• Statutory Penalty: The law stipulates up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 500,000 SAR.

• Device Confiscation: The court has the right to confiscate mobile devices or computers used in the crime.

Cyber Extortion: An Unforgivable Crime

One of the most dangerous crimes with severe psychological impact on victims:

• Concept of Extortion: Threatening a victim with publishing sensitive materials unless they pay money.

• Aggravated Penalty: Penalties include up to a year in prison and a half-million riyal fine, doubling for severe cases.

Steps to Report and Prove Your Rights

If victimized digitally, you must act wisely and calmly:

• Do Not Delete Evidence: Keep messages and links, and take clear screenshots to document the crime.

• Immediate Reporting: Report via the Kullona Amn app for technical tracking by specialized authorities.