Bahrain MPs set to vote on stronger privacy protections laws

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Peeping Toms will have to flee for their lives if caught in Bahrain.

A new set of regulations facing votes in the Kingdom’s parliament ensures just that and more. MPs, who have tabled such a proposal, assert that their aim is to safeguard privacy as a sacred right.

They emphasise that eavesdropping or snooping through someone’s private records will be met with swift and decisive action.

The proposed regulations, slated for a vote in the upcoming session, call for significant penalties and longer prison terms for individuals engaged in voyeuristic behaviour.

If approved, Parliament will revise key articles in the Penal Code dealing with violations of private and family life, including the publication of secrets or the encouragement of immorality.

For now, as per Article 354, violators face a maximum jail term of three months or a BD20 fine.

This will be increased to a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months in prison, with fines ranging from BD100 to BD1000.

But that’s not all

Higher penalties are also being proposed for the unauthorised publication of information that breaches an individual’s privacy, even if true.

Perpetrators under Article 370 currently face a maximum sentence of six months and a BD50 fine.

MPs argue that this is insufficient, pushing for fines ranging from BD500 to BD1,000 for those found guilty of unauthorised audio/visual surveillance or recording private conversations or photos without permission.

Additionally, higher penalties of BD1000 to BD3000 would apply if such materials were publicly published.

A review is also suggested for Article 372, which deals with the unlawful disclosure of messages and calls.

Penalties for such acts would rise from BD20 dinars to fines of BD500 to BD1000 or imprisonment for basic offences.

Disclosing details that harm third parties could result in fines of BD2000 to BD5000, along with prison time.

Parliamentarians argue that these amendments are essential to provide stronger deterrence against privacy violations, especially in light of technological advances enabling new forms of intrusion.

Observers suggest that the increased protections strike a balance between upholding civil liberties and societal ethics.

MPs will deliberate on the proposed updates to safeguard individuals from unwanted disclosures or behaviours that may affect their well-being or reputation.”