UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION PROVIDED BY SQUIRE PATTON BOGGS
18 SEPTEMBER 2014
Section (2)
Crimes
Chapter (1)
Crimes Pertaining to Hacking Information Systems, Information Programs, Information Networks
and Websites
Article (2)
A person who manages through an Information Network or any information technology
technique to have an unlawful access to a website or an information system belonging to a state
authority, body or entity or any affiliated corporation shall be punished by imprisonment for a
period not exceeding three (3) years and a fine of not more than QR500,000.
The punishment mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be doubled if such access results
in:
1) acquiring any electronic data or information:
2) acquiring any information or data pertaining to the State’s domestic or foreign security
or its national economy;
3) acquiring any government information which are deemed confidential by nature or by
way of specific instructions;
4) cancelling, destroying, damaging or publishing such electronic information or data;
5) inflicting damage on any beneficiaries or users; or
6) acquiring undeserved money, services or benefits.
Article (3)
A sentence of not more than three years in prison and a fine of not more than QR500,000, or
either of these penalties, shall be imposed on any person who (i) intentionally and illegally
accesses in any way a website, an information system, an information network or an
information technology technique or a part thereof; (ii) exceeds authorized access; or (iii)
knowingly continues his visit or access thereof.
The punishment mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall be doubled if such access results
in:
1) cancelling, deleting, adding, disclosing, destroying, changing, transferring, capturing,
copying, publishing or republishing electronic data or information stored in an
information system;
2) inflicting damage upon beneficiaries or users;
3) destroying, stopping or suspending a website, an information system or an information
network; or