Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Oman News

Oman warns digital content manipulation could lead to 3 years in jail, RO 5,000 fine

Oman’s Public Prosecution says altering a person’s audio, video or image to defame, insult or harm their dignity is a cybercrime punishable by up to three years in jail, a fine of RO 5,000, or both.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

MUSCAT: The warning highlights the legal risks of making even seemingly minor changes to digital content that could make a person appear to have said or done something they did not.

According to the Public Prosecution, such manipulation becomes a criminal offence when it is intended to defame, insult or portray another person in a way that harms their honour or dignity.

The provision is cited under Article 36/6 of Oman’s Law on Combating Cybercrimes, issued by Royal Decree No. 61/2026.

“Sometimes, even a small change can make someone say things they never said!” the Public Prosecution said in the advisory.

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