10-year jail term for ‘misusing' AI

Daily Tribune

03-03-2025

Jail terms of up to 10 years are being proposed in Bahrain's first law to rein in artificial intelligence.
The draft legislation, which Parliament's Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee is set to discuss, lays down tough penalties for AI-driven crimes, from cyber offences to threats against national security.
Developers and users of AI tools that spread falsehoods, tamper with data, or facilitate online crime could also face prison sentences of up to five years.
Rules
The bill lays out rules for AI software, civil liability, and criminal responsibility, aiming to bring the technology under legal oversight.
It also pushes Bahrain towards becoming a regional centre for AI development while ensuring it is used responsibly in all sectors.
A new regulator, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, is to be set up under the Ministry of Interior.
Licences
It will issue licences to AI developers and service providers while keeping an eye on compliance with security and legal standards.
MP Mohammed Al Ahmed, who brought the proposal forward, said that Bahrain has no laws covering AI, making it urgent to get rules in place.
He argued that legal clarity was needed to match the way AI is transforming industries, ensuring laws keep pace with reality.
The bill is split into five sections, covering everything from definitions and broad policies to rules, penalties, and final provisions.
Framework
According to Al Ahmed, the law will give Bahrain a clearer framework for AI while encouraging fair and responsible use of the technology.
Article 3 puts the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence in charge of licensing, enforcement, and working with government and private bodies to keep AI systems in sync.
It will also issue reports on the risks AI poses, both technically and ethically.
Green light
Article 4 states that no AI system can be rolled out without a green light from regulators. Systems must be open to scrutiny and checked for fairness and accountability.
The law also bans AI from making decisions that affect people's rights without human oversight, particularly in key areas like law, health, and finance.
AI systems must not be used in ways that endanger national security or public order.
Punishments
Article 5 spells out punishments for those who flout AI rules.
Fines between BD1,000 and BD5,000 will be slapped on those who breach data protection and transparency rules.
Those whose reckless or careless use of AI leads to serious harm — whether loss of life or environmental damage — face jail time or financial penalties.
Breaches
Harsher sentences apply where AI has been deliberately used for fraud, privacy violations, financial crime, or other breaches identified by regulators.
Article 6 gives authorities the power to issue detailed rules and updates as technology moves forward.