Cybercrime Law: Tougher stance on online threats and blackmail

Muscat:  Individuals using digital platforms including social media to coerce, intimidate, or blackmail others now face severe legal consequences in Oman, including prison sentences of up to ten years. The new legal framework introduces stringent deterrents against digital extortion and threats, specifically targeting those who exploit information technology to compromise an individual's honor, dignity, or safety.

Under Article 40 of the new legislation, anyone who utilizes an electronic site, information system, or information technology tool to threaten or blackmail a person into performing or refraining from an act—even if that act is otherwise lawful—shall be punished with imprisonment for a period ranging from one to three years. In addition to the jail term, offenders will face a fine of no less than OMR 1,000 and no more than OMR 3,000.

The law imposes significantly harsher penalties for more severe forms of digital coercion. If the threat or blackmail involves the commission of a felony, or if it pertains to matters that compromise an individual's honor or dignity, the punishment escalates to imprisonment for a period of no less than three years and no more than ten years. Financial penalties in these aggravated cases also increase, with fines ranging from OMR 3,000 to OMR 10,000. These measures are designed to provide robust protection for individuals against malicious actors who use the anonymity of the internet for intimidation.

These provisions are part of the comprehensive Law on Combating Cybercrimes, promulgated by Royal Decree No. 61/2026 and issued on June 1, 2026. The law represents a major advancement in enhancing Oman's national digital security and protecting society from the growing complexities of cybercrime. Beyond addressing threats and blackmail, the decree aims to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information and data, while strengthening the protection of digital evidence through stricter legal deterrents and tougher penalties for all offenses committed using information technology.