Saudi Arabia Tightens the Reins on Phone‑Spying
On April 3, 2018, the Kingdom rolled out a new law that’s turning the cosy pastime of snooping on a spouse’s phone into a hefty fine or a year behind bars.
Who’s in the Hot Seat?
It doesn’t matter if you’re a man or a woman – both are now subject to the same punishment. The move is framed as a safeguard for “the morals of individuals and society” and to protect everyone’s private life.
Why the Rumble?
- Alimony drama: In Saudi courts, a wife’s case for financial support often hinges on proving abuse or promiscuity. A husband’s phone can be a treasure trove of evidence, so the law aims to keep those records out of prying ears.
- Cyber‑crime wave: From blackmail to hacking and defamation, social media has fuelled a surge in digital mischief, prompting the ministry to step in.
- Neighboring influence: The UAE already bans phone‑spying with a minimum three‑month jail term and a fine of 3,000 dirhams (≈US$817). Saudi’s new law upped the stakes to a 500,000 riyal (≈US$133,000) fine and/or imprisonment.
How the Law Works
Anti‑Cybercrime Law: Any act of “spying, intercepting or receiving data on an information network or computer without proper authorization” is now a crime. The penalty can be a fine, prison, or both.
What It Means for Relationships
While the legislation may protect husbands from intrusive phone‑checks, it’s also a reminder that trust—and a digital sense of privacy—remains vital, even in a society that values tradition and is still deep into the tech surge.
