Qatar introduces jail and QR100,000 fine for privacy violations in major cybercrime law update
TL;DR:
Qatar
's amended cybercrime law imposes a jail term of up to one year and a fine of QR100,000 for violating an individual's privacy by publishing or sharing their images or videos without consent, especially via digital platforms.
The law took effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2025, aiming to strengthen personal privacy protection amid growing concerns over unauthorized online content sharing.
This amendment complements Qatar's broader Personal Data Privacy Protection Law (Law No. 13 of 2016) that sets detailed obligations and protections for personal data processing in the country.
A new legal amendment published in Qatar's Official Gazette (Edition No. 20, August 4, 2025) introduces tough penalties for violating the privacy of individuals, specifically targeting the unauthorized publication or circulation of a person's images or videos especially online, without their consent.
This amendment, Law No. 11 of 2025 (adding Article 8 bis to Law No. 14 of 2014 on combating Cybercrime), was approved by the Amir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
Key provisions:
Criminal Penalties:
Offenders who publish, circulate, or share images or video clips of individuals in public spaces, without their consent or in situations not permitted by law (such as via internet or any information technology), face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to QR100,000, or both.
Scope:
The law specifically addresses digital and online violations, covering any type of publication through information networks or information technology.
Immediate Effect:
The law is in force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette (August 4, 2025).
Legal text (Article 8 bis):
'Punishment by imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, and by a fine not exceeding (100,000) one hundred thousand Qatari Riyals, or by either of these two penalties, shall be inflicted upon anyone who infringes upon the privacy of individuals while they are in a public place, by publishing or circulating images or video clips of them without their consent or in circumstances not permitted by law, through information network or any other information technology.
'
Context:
This measure strengthens privacy rights in Qatar, responding to rising concerns about unauthorized use of images, videos, and personal data online.
It is part of a broader legal framework on personal data protection, which also includes hefty fines for companies and data controllers (up to QR5 million for certain severe breaches under other laws), but this penalty specifically targets individual violations of privacy in public and digital spaces.
Qatar now imposes up to one year in prison and a QR100,000 fine for anyone found guilty of privacy violations, especially relating to the online sharing of photos or videos of people without their consent, even in public places. The law took effect immediately upon publication and applies to all digital platforms and technology-based distribution.
FAQ
1. What is the penalty for violating privacy in Qatar under the new law?
Offenders face imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine up to QR100,000 for sharing images or videos without consent.
2. Does the law apply only to online violations?
Yes, it specifically targets unauthorized publication or circulation of images/videos via the internet and other digital technologies.
3. When did the new privacy violation law come into effect?
The law took effect immediately after being published in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2025.
4. What law does this amendment relate to?
It amends Article 8 of the existing Cybercrime Law (Law No. 14 of 2014), adding provisions focused on privacy protection.
5. Is this separate from Qatar's Personal Data Privacy Protection Law?
Yes, it complements more comprehensive data protection legislation (Law No. 13 of 2016) addressing broader data privacy issues.
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