The Bahraini Parliament unanimously voted to impose stricter penalties for tech theft, including up to two years in prison or a BD500 fine for stealing phones and laptops. The new law, supported by the Foreign Affairs, Defence, and National Security Committee, aims to combat theft aimed at accessing personal data. This legislation updates parts of the 1976 Penal Code to protect modern gadgets and acknowledges the risks associated with the misuse of personal and financial information stored on these devices.
MP Abdullah Al Rumaihi, the former head of the committee, highlighted the severity of the crime, emphasizing the potential threat to privacy and safety posed by the misuse of personal data. Rashid Bu Najma, Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs at the Ministry of Interior, supported the new penalties, stating that phones are now “mobile databases” for every citizen and resident. He argued that the previous penalty of a BD60 fine was not enough to deter such crimes, underscoring the importance of stronger regulations.
Bu Najma noted the government’s proactive approach in discussing the details of the legislation with the committee multiple times. The proposal, first reviewed by Parliament in February, stresses the need to update laws to address digital dangers. The law mandates at least three months in jail for stealing phones, laptops, or tablets, escalating to a minimum of one year if the intent was to access personal data, reflecting the seriousness of the crime.
MP Ahmed Al Salloom highlighted the importance of enforcing stricter regulations, even though theft rates in Bahrain may be lower compared to other countries. Similar laws have been enacted in Europe to address the challenges of tech theft, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) introduced in 2018. These regulations aim to protect personal information and give individuals greater control over their data.
As technology continues to advance, it is essential for laws to keep pace with these developments. With digital devices being an integral part of daily life, effective protections against tech theft are crucial for safeguarding personal and financial information. By implementing updated penalties for tech theft, Parliament seeks to deter crime and enhance public trust in the legal system’s ability to address the challenges of the digital age.
