MUSCAT : The Public Prosecution said offences targeting society or members of the school community, including students and staff, can result in imprisonment of up to 30 days and a fine of RO3,000, or either of the two penalties, in accordance with Article (95) pursuant to Article (48/e) of the School Education Law.

“The use of social media, media outlets, or any other means for the purposes of blackmail, defamation, spreading rumours, or offending society or members of the school community, including students and staff, shall be considered an offense,” the authority stated.

In a broader warning, it stressed that using the internet or information technology to violate individual or family privacy – such as by taking or publishing images, audio or video recordings without consent, even if true – also constitutes a criminal offence.

Such violations, including online slander and defamation, are punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of RO5,000, or either penalty, under Article (16) of the Law on Combating Cybercrimes.

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