Saudi cyber crime law has become a vital legal shield in this era of accelerating digital transformation, protecting the cyber space to ensure the stability of society and businesses. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia enacted this law, formally known as the Anti-Cyber Crime Law, to protect individuals and institutions from various digital threats such as extortion, hacking, and financial fraud.
This legislation precisely defines types of cyber crimes and establishes strict, deterrent penalties, underscoring the Kingdom’s commitment to a safe digital environment.
المحتويات
What is Saudi Cyber Crime Law?
Cyber crime in Saudi Arabia is governed by the Anti-Cyber Crime Law, which clearly defines cyber offenses and establishes strict penalties to protect individuals, organizations, and public security within the Kingdom. The penalties for Saudi Cyber Crime are outlined in the provisions of the Law as follows:
Article Three:
Any person who commits one of the following acts shall be punished by imprisonment for up to one year and/or a fine not exceeding SAR 500,000:
- Secretly intercepting or unlawfully accessing data transmitted through information networks or computer devices without legal authorization.
- Unauthorized access with the intent to threaten, blackmail, or coerce another person into performing or refraining from an act, even if such act is lawful.
- Illegally accessing websites to modify, damage, or hack their content.
- Violating personal privacy through misuse of camera-enabled mobile devices or similar technology.
- Defaming or harming others using information technology tools.
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Article Four:
This Article provides penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to SAR 2,000,000 for the following offenses:
- Fraudulent seizure of movable property or documents, or signing documents using false names or identities.
- Unauthorized access to banking, credit, or financial data to obtain information, funds, or services. These acts constitute a serious form of Saudi Cyber Crime.
Article Five:
Under this Article, offenders may face imprisonment for up to four years and/or fines of up to SAR 3,000,000 for the following acts:
- Illegal access aimed at deleting, altering, leaking, or redistributing personal data.
- Disrupting, destroying, or altering software or data used within information systems.
- Interfering with or disabling electronic services or access to them by any means. These offenses are classified among the most severe types of Saudi Cyber Crime targeting infrastructure.
This law aims to deter and criminalize any violation deemed a Saudi Cyber Crime.
Check out: A Complete Guide to Anti Cyber Crime Law in Saudi Arabia 2026
How to Report Cyber Crime in Saudi Arabia?
To effectively combat cyber crime in Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom has established several official channels and dedicated numbers for submitting a cyber crime complaint Saudi Arabia.
Below are the key methods for contacting the Saudi cyber crime department or relevant authorities:
- Police Centers: Head to the nearest police station and submit a direct, official report concerning the incident.
- Unified Hotline (1909): This is the specialized number for reporting cybercrimes and is a direct line for filing your cyber crime complaint Saudi Arabia.
- General Emergency/Police (999): The general Saudi Police number, which can also be used for urgent reports and connecting with the relevant security sector.
- Absher Electronic Platform: Log in to the Absher portal and activate the “Cybercrime Report” service.
The Role of Etqan Law Firm in Saudi Cyber Crime
Etqan Law Firm provides specialized legal support to handle cybercrime cases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on the Anti-Cyber Crime Law, which sets strict penalties to protect the rights of individuals and organizations.
The firm’s role includes:
1. Legal Representation and Defense of Rights
Etqan Law Firm represents individuals and companies in Saudi Cyber Crime cases, whether they are victims or defendants, by:
- Filing Complaints: Assisting victims in drafting and submitting cybercrime complaints to the competent authorities (Police, Public Prosecution, Cyber Crime Department).
- Court Defense: Providing specialized legal defense before courts to ensure the proper application of the law, referencing articles such as Article Three (defamation and unauthorized access), Article Four (financial fraud), and Article Five (system destruction).
2. Legal Consultation and Clarification of Potential Penalties
The firm offers precise consultations on the Anti-Cyber Crime Law, clarifying the potential penalties arising from the acts defined in the law:
- Article Three (Privacy and Defamation Crimes): The firm clarifies that the penalty reaches up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of SAR 500,000, and advises on the best evidence and defense strategies.
- Article Four (Financial Crimes and Extortion): The firm helps manage cases where the penalty reaches up to three years imprisonment and/or a fine of SAR 2,000,000, especially those related to fraud or unauthorized access to banking data.
- Article Five (System Disruption Crimes): The firm provides legal representation in serious cases where the penalty reaches up to four years imprisonment and/or a fine of SAR 3,000,000, such as data destruction or disabling electronic services.
Learn about: What To Know About Electronic Signature in Saudi Arabia?
3. Preventive Protection (Cyber Security Legal Advice)
Etqan Law Firm offers preventive consulting services to companies and institutions to ensure their compliance with legal requirements and protect their data from any violations that could lead to Saudi Cyber Crime charges.
Conclusion
Saudi cyber crime represents a fundamental pillar of cybersecurity in the Kingdom, providing a clear legal framework to criminalize harmful digital acts, while specifying severe penalties reaching up to four years imprisonment and fines of up to SAR 3,000,000 for the most serious crimes. This is where the role of Etqan Law Firm is highlighted, extending beyond merely representing and defending victims according to the law’s articles.
The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +966550600204, +966551020060.
Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:
- Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)
- Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
- Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.
FAQ:
What is the penalty for cyber crime in Saudi Arabia?
Penalties vary based on the offense, ranging from imprisonment up to four years and fines up to SAR 3,000,000 for serious system-disruption crimes, down to one year and/or SAR 500,000 for offenses like defamation or unauthorized access (Anti-Cyber Crime Law).
How do I report cyber crimes near me?
You can report cyber crimes by contacting the Unified Hotline 1909, visiting the nearest Police Center, or digitally through the Absher platform’s Cybercrime Report service.
How do I report a crime in KSA?
All crimes in KSA can be reported via the general emergency number 999 or by personally visiting the nearest local Police Station (Markaz Shurtah).
What are five cyber crimes?
Five common cyber crimes include: Unauthorized Access/Hacking, Financial Fraud/Phishing, Defamation/Slander, Threat/Blackmail, and Violating Privacy (e.g., misuse of camera phones).