What You Need to Know About Bahrain's New Privacy Laws

To further uphold citizens' privacy rights, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Bahrain have introduced important amendments to the country's laws. The newly enacted legislation aims to strengthen privacy protections and promote decency in public areas.

Here's a breakdown of the key offenses and the fines associated with them:

1. Public Solicitation Offenses

Individuals engaging in public solicitation, urging others to partake in inappropriate activities, now face severe penalties. Convicted offenders may receive jail sentences of up to 6 months, along with fines of up to BD1,000.

2. Unauthorized Photography and Videography

Under the revised law, capturing images or videos of individuals without their consent is now prohibited. Offenders caught engaging in unauthorized photography or videography may be fined between BD100 to BD500, depending on the gravity of the offense.

3. Sharing of Private Information

Sharing personal or private information about someone without their consent is now classified as an offense. Offenders found guilty of this violation may incur fines ranging from BD200 to BD800, depending on the nature and extent of the disclosed information.

4. Prohibition of Capturing Sensitive Moments

The legislation strictly forbids capturing images or videos of hospital patients, accident victims, or deceased individuals without proper authorization. Offenders violating this provision may face fines ranging from BD300 to BD1,000, based on the circumstances of the offense.

Imposing Penalties for Offenses

Public Solicitation: Up to BD1,000 in fines and a maximum of 6 months in jail.

Unauthorized Photography and Videography: Fines ranging from BD100 to BD500.

Sharing Private Information: Fines ranging from BD200 to BD800.

Prohibited Capturing of Sensitive Moments: Fines ranging from BD300 to BD1,000.

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