Saudi Arabia on Monday announced ‘spying’ on your spouse’s phone is now a criminal offence potentially punishable by a year in jail and a hefty fine.
‘Married individuals planning to spy on their spouse in Saudi Arabia will need to think twice, because such an activity could potentially attract a fine of 500,000 riyals (£94,910.04), along with a prison term for a year,’ read an English-language statement released by Saudi Arabia’s information ministry.
The provision, part of a new anti-cyber crime law which came into force last week, is meant to ‘protect morals of individuals and society and protect privacy’,the ministry said.
The move comes amid a ‘steady increase in cybercrimes such as blackmail, embezzlement and defamation’.
Saudi Arabia has launched a string of highly-publicised policy changes since the rise of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to power last year.
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