Muscat: The Public Prosecution has reminded that respecting the privacy of victims of accidents and natural disasters is a a moral duty and a legal obligation as per the law on combating cybercrimes.
It also says that taking, sharing, or publishing images or videos of injured persons, the deceased, or victims of accidents or disasters without the consent of the persons concerned or their legal representatives is a crime punishable by imprisonment of three years and a fine of RO5,000 or either of these penalties, as per the Article 36/4 of the law on Combating Cybercrimes, issued by Royal Decree 61/2026.
The Public Prosecution also reminded, "Before you take the picture, remember: what you see is an accident, but for someone else, it's a tragedy. Your phone's camera may capture a scene... but it could violate someone's dignity. Your compassion doesn't justify sharing their suffering."
Taking photos or videos of other people, transferring, disclosing, copying, or keeping them, and publishing news, digital photos, photographs, audio and visual clips, comments, data, or information, even if they are genuine, with intent to harm other people, can also lead to imprisonment of three years and a fine of RO5,000.
Either of these penalties can be included in some cases as per Article 36 (2) and (3) of the Law on Combating Cybercrimes promulgated by Royal Decree 61/2026.
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