Oman Enacts Landmark Cybercrime Law with Tough Child Protection, AI Safeguards

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman, has issued Royal Decree No 61/2026 promulgating the Law on Combating Cybercrime, a sweeping legislative framework designed to strengthen digital security, enhance child protection and address emerging threats linked to artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

According to Dr Rashid bin Obaid Al Kaabi, Assistant to the Attorney General and official spokesperson for the Public Prosecution, the new law introduces robust safeguards against a wide range of cyber offences while imposing stringent penalties, including fines of up to RO500,000 for serious crimes.

Speaking to Oman TV, Al Kaabi said crimes committed against children or content directed at them are treated as aggravated offences under the law. He emphasised that such cases will be initiated as public prosecutions, meaning legal proceedings can begin without requiring a complaint from any individual party.

The legislation establishes a comprehensive legal framework covering multiple forms of cybercrime, including impersonation of individuals or institutions, forgery of electronic data, theft of information, unauthorised alteration of data, and destruction of electronic records.

A key feature of the law is its explicit inclusion of artificial intelligence-related risks. Al Kaabi explained that the law defines AI technology and criminalises unlawful practices arising from its misuse, ensuring that rapidly evolving digital threats remain within the scope of national criminal legislation.

He added that the law adopts a multi-layered protection approach, safeguarding the state and its sovereignty, society at large, and individuals. It also reflects international best practices in combating cybercrime, reinforcing Oman’s commitment to a secure and regulated digital environment.

Al Kaabi further noted that the legislation is designed to strengthen confidence in Oman’s digital economy. A secure cyber legal framework, he said, is essential for attracting investment, supporting innovation, and protecting the rights of both individuals and businesses operating in the digital space.

The law imposes strict penalties for a range of serious offences, reflecting the scale of harm such crimes can inflict on society, the economy and national security.

Key Offences and Penalties Include:

• Online drug trafficking and promotion: Using digital platforms to traffic or promote narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances is punishable by death or life imprisonment, along with a fine ranging from RO50,000 to RO100,000.
  
  
• Online organised crime: Establishing, joining, supporting or cooperating with organised criminal groups via digital platforms carries five to ten years’ imprisonment and fines between RO100,000 and RO500,000.
  
  
• Human organ trafficking: Using online platforms to facilitate or conduct organ trafficking is punishable by three to ten years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from RO25,000 to RO150,000.
  
  
• Online pornography: Creating, producing, distributing or publishing pornographic content online carries one to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of RO1,000 to RO3,000, or either penalty.
  
  
• Child pornography and exploitation: Creating, distributing or possessing child pornography online is punishable by five to 15 years’ imprisonment and fines of RO5,000 to RO15,000. The same penalties apply where offences target children or persons lacking legal capacity.
  
  

Al Kaabi said the law reflects the growing scale and complexity of cyber threats and the need for strong deterrence mechanisms. He added that the penalties correspond to the economic, political and social harm caused by crimes committed through modern technologies.

The legislation marks a significant step in strengthening Oman’s cyber legal framework at a time of rapid digital transformation, balancing technological advancement with stricter safeguards to protect society from evolving online threats.

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