The Cabinet’s approval of a draft law to enact rules to bring to book cyber criminals will fill a gap in Qatar’s legal framework.
The proposed law has provisions to protect state entities, business organisations, families and individuals from cyber criminals.
Qatar is increasingly being targeted by cyber criminals and those intent on committing financial fraud, according to security experts
The Cabinet has decided to refer the draft law to the Advisory Council for its approval and recommendations.
The new law is meant to punish anyone who manages, via the Internet or any information technology means, without a right, to enter a website and information system of any of the state’s organs, institutions, authorities or otherwise affiliated bodies or companies thereon.
It stipulates that anyone who establishes or runs a website via the Internet or any information technology means illegally, or publishes false news with the aim of jeopardising the state safety, its general order, internal or external security, will be liable for legal action.
The law will also punish any one who infringes on the social principles or values or otherwise publishes news, photos, audio or visual recordings related to the sanctity of the private and family life of persons, even if they are true, or infringes on others by libel or slander via the Internet or other information technology means.
Minister of Justice HE Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem had recently underlined the importance of regulating the use of cyberspace.
Al-Ghanem had also said the new law was meant to ensure that people used the Internet and information technology without breaking laws and without violating the rights and freedom of the people.
Along with the enactment of a comprehensive law, representatives of Qatar’s finance sector and ictQATAR’s cyber security division - Qatar Computer Emergency Response Team - have been working to protect sensitive data and enhance security as Internet commerce and banking continue to grow worldwide with consumers demanding more online and mobile services.
Some quarters have expressed fears that the new rules will undermine freedom of online expression. But their concerns are groundless. The recent spurt of many websites, which report and comment on happenings in Qatar, attest to the extent of online freedom in the state.
But strong laws are needed to fight those misusing the Internet for criminal intentions.
A cybersecurity expert said last year that evidence had emerged that Qatari bank cards are being bought and sold illegally on the Internet. He said that whilst it was difficult to measure the actual level of financial cyber crime in Qatar, it was on the rise.
Proper rules and regulations are essential to counter such crimes.
