The Shura Council in Bahrain is pushing for stiffer penalties for those who violate digital privacy by snapping unauthorized photos or eavesdropping on private conversations. The aim is to prevent the irresponsible sharing of personal images, recordings, and messages on social media platforms. The proposed law not only targets unauthorized sharing but also addresses specific invasions such as eavesdropping, secret photography, and sharing private messages or calls. However, some sections of the proposed law have been deemed underdeveloped and will be sent back to the committee for further review.
With advancements in technology like deepfake technology, which can create realistic images and voices without consent, the Shura Council is questioning whether the proposed law will effectively address these issues. The changes in the law are meant to bring Bahrain’s Penal Code in alignment with modern privacy issues, as old penalties may not be sufficient to address the harm caused by today’s privacy breaches. The goal is to prevent violations before they occur, especially with the ease of sharing private moments on social media.
Concerns have been raised regarding young people’s involvement in privacy breaches, prompting suggestions for schools to educate students on respecting privacy. Second Deputy Chairperson Jehad Al Fadhel emphasized the importance of a public awareness campaign to complement the proposed law, as education is considered the best defense against future breaches. There is also a question on whether simply blurring faces in shared images provides enough protection for an individual’s privacy.
The Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, Dr. Ali Al Rumaihi, voiced support for the proposed changes, highlighting the need to protect Bahraini families from intrusive digital practices. The Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf, His Excellency Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, confirmed the government’s readiness to work with the Shura Council on adjusting laws to counter digital privacy threats. Al Maawda also mentioned that the Public Prosecution is studying global trends in AI-related offences to establish rules against such breaches.
In preparation for tackling the growing issue of AI-driven crimes that threaten personal privacy, workshops and training sessions are being conducted to equip Public Prosecution staff with the necessary skills. The government of Bahrain is open to discussing any article in the proposed law that involves tougher penalties or limits. The collaboration between the Shura Council and the government aims to safeguard digital privacy and ensure that Bahrain is ready to face the challenges posed by advancements in technology and the risks of online privacy breaches.
