DAMMAM: Misuse of the popular smartphone application Snapchat could land users in legal trouble and subject them to extensive penalties under the Anti-Information Crimes Law.
According to lawyer and legal adviser Mohammed Al-Tamyat, Snapchat, like other social media apps, are permitted only if used appropriately and properly, he explained, noting that Snapchat could be more dangerous than apps like Twitter because of the ease of photography.
“Penalties vary depending on the type of the crime that occurs using the application, but are within the range of the least and most serious penalties under the regulations,” he said.
“The lowest penalty is jail of up to one year and a fine of up to SR5,000 or both, while the maximum penalty is jail of up to 10 years, a fine of up to SR5 million or both.”
He attributed the lack of accurate statistical information about penalties to the recent nature of the regulations, as well as ignorance about such penalties, but confirmed that this does not exempt or absolve offenders from punishment.
Up to 10 years in prison for Snapchat crimes
Up to 10 years in prison for Snapchat crimes
