Violate any social values or principles, or publish news, pictures, audio or video recordings related to the personal or family life of individuals – even if it is true (penalty: up to a year in prison and/or a maximum fine of QR100,000);
Libel or slander another person online or by using IT equipment (penalty: up to a year in prison and/or a maximum fine of QR100,000).
New regulations for using social media applications in Qatar
Qatar’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has encouraged netizens to stay safe and vigilant when sharing and accessing multi-media, personal or promotional content on social media applications.
CRA said in a statement that while it encourages creation of appropriate digital content and use of technology, it also intends to create awareness among netizens to stay safe and vigilant when sharing and accessing multi-media, personal or promotional content.
This consumer alert would specifically like to alert users of apps such as SnapChat, Periscope, Tumblr, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc. that provide audio, video and multimedia content that may be offensive, sensitive or entirely inappropriate culturally, for under age audiences, or for security of individuals and businesses.
Consumers play an equally important part in helping CRA deliver its mandate for consumer protection by staying safe and cautious when using such apps. CRA would like to further advise and encourage users to keep the below guidelines in mind for safe use of social media apps, the statement said.
No access to Minors:
As an informed consumer, ensure minor children in your family or under your care are using age-appropriate apps. Several social media apps have minimum age requirements, you should encourage children around you to respect and abide by such requirements.
Supervise your children:
When unavoidable, monitor and supervise children’s usage of apps that may display age inappropriate content. It is also advisable to use age restrictions in settings on smart devices that are used exclusively by children without adult supervision, the statement added.
Use Official Apps:
It also called for using the official applications that are locally available to ensure content you are accessing or sharing is culturally appropriate.
Report inappropriate content:
Inappropriate content should also be reported said the CRA.
Look before you share:
The statement also encouraged taking precaution when sharing personal information, photos, location, and contacts, publically or with apps may result in undesirable outcomes.
CRA, as the regulator for communications and postal sectors as well as access to digital media, continually works very closely with the relevant Government authorities, local service providers and other regulators in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states to ensure netizens in Qatar have access to appropriate content and digital platforms.
CRA reiterated that it takes consumer protection mandate extremely seriously and will continue to bring such public awareness messages.
