INTERNET users around the Kingdom unknowingly commit cybercrimes and many end up getting themselves into trouble with the law. Often, the crimes committed involve defamation and slander on social media. People mistakenly believe that they can say anything on social media without being held accountable for their words in a court. Al-Riyadh daily spoke to several experts about what can land people in trouble and what online behavior to avoid. Dr. Mahdi Al-Anazi, director of Mental and Social Health Department in Riyadh, says sociologists agree that the motive behind committing cybercrimes is either a desire to enact revenge or too much free time. "Internet criminals are obsessed with the need to hurt others verbally. Narcissists by nature, these people lack self-esteem and are unable to effectively deal with their problems and this means they fail to build good relationships with others. This is why many of them go online to abuse their supposed enemies verbally," he said. "Any illegitimate act carried out through electronic means such as computers or cell phones to get access to confidential information and use it to blackmail others is a cybercrime," explained Al-Anazi. Abdullah Al-Farraj, a cybercrime expert, noted that many people do not realize that saving improper video clips on a cell phone or a computer is a crime punishable by law up to five years in prison or a fine not exceeding SR3 million or both. This includes saving any photos or videos that threat public order or vilify the sanctity of religious beliefs or privacy rights. He warned the general public against retweeting improper hashtags because it constitutes a cybercrime. "Some people claim that courts and police stations do not entertain complaints about past tweets or cybercrimes but this is not true," Al-Farraj said. "Any cybercrime including slander and defamation will be taken into account regardless of the lapse of time," he pointed out. Article 6 of the Cybercrime Law was amended to name and shame in the press cybercriminals who have been handed down prison sentence, Al-Farraj said. He called upon pertinent authorities to raise public awareness about the articles of the Cybercrime Law and explain to them its legal ramifications. Awareness campaigns can be carried out in the media and at annual festivals and in form of sport and cultural contests. "People need to know what they are up to if they abuse the social media websites and say the wrong things," he explained. Tamim Al-Tamimi, a legal expert, said anyone who stores pornographic clips on a computer or cell phone is violating the Cybercrime Law and can face five years in prison or a fine not exceeding SR3 million or both. "Saudi law gives people the right to express their opinion without offending others. People who try to sow the seeds of sedition and vilify others online will be punished. Anyone who gets offended by a hashtag should come forward and file a complaint with the pertinent authorities and present conclusive evidence to back up the claim," he explained. Both Saudis and expatriates enjoy equal rights in the country and can file a complaint as per Article 47 of the Basic Governance Law.
