Parliament vote unanimously to impose tougher penalties for ‘tech theft’

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Parliament voted unanimously yesterday to impose tougher penalties for tech theft, introducing up to two years in prison or BD500 in fines for stealing phones and laptops. According to the proposal, if a thief intends to sift through the data on these devices, they could face both prison time and a fine. This new law, backed by the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, imposes stronger penalties for theft aimed at accessing personal data, mandating a minimum of three months in jail for thefts involving digital devices. The law updates parts of the 1976 Penal Code to protect modern gadgets, acknowledging the growing risks associated with the misuse of personal and financial information stored on them.

Serious threat 

“Modern devices hold large amounts of personal information,” said MP Abdullah Al Rumaihi, the committee’s former head. “Misusing this data poses a serious threat to privacy and safety, necessitating a robust legal framework to tackle the severity of this crime.” Rashid Bu Najma, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, emphasised the importance of the new penalties, noting, “Phones today are much more than just gadgets; they’re mobile databases for every citizen and resident.” He argued that the previous penalty of a BD60 fine was insufficient to deter such crimes.

Proactive approach

Bu Najma highlighted the government’s proactive approach, stating, “We met with the committee four times to discuss all details, and these verbal assurances are just as valid as written documentation,” assuring that all inquiries were addressed. Parliament first reviewed the draft of this legislation in February and returned it to the committee in April for further consideration. The proposal stresses the necessity of keeping laws in step with today’s digital dangers. The law stipulates at least three months’ imprisonment for stealing phones, laptops, or tablets, escalating to a minimum of one year if the intent was to access personal data.

Sensitive information

MP Ahmed Al Salloom pointed out that while device theft rates in Bahrain are lower than in some other countries, it remains crucial to enforce stricter regulations given the sensitive information often stored on these devices. Notably, similar laws were enacted across Europe to address these challenges. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), introduced in 2018, sets stringent standards for data protection and privacy, giving individuals greater control over their personal information.

Laws

As Parliament introduces tougher penalties for tech theft, it is crucial that our laws keep pace with technological advancements. With digital devices commonplace in daily life, effective protections against tech theft are essential for safeguarding personal and financial information. By implementing these updated penalties, Parliament aims to deter crime and improve public confidence in the legal system’s ability to address the challenges of the digital age.