Oman Introduces New Cybercrime Law

 Oman has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding its digital landscape with the promulgation of the Law on Combating Cybercrimes, issued via Royal Decree No. 61/2026. The new legislation aims to enhance national digital security, protect society from cyber threats, and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of electronic data through stricter legal deterrents and tougher penalties.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology stated that the law is designed to reinforce deterrence against cybercrime, secure websites and digital infrastructure, and ensure compliance with intellectual property rights. A primary focus of the legislation is the protection of individual dignity and privacy by explicitly criminalizing online threats, blackmail, fraud, and abuse.

Cracking Down on Unauthorized Access and Misuse

The law is structured into nine chapters, each addressing specific facets of digital crime. Chapter Two targets offenses against electronic information and systems, making it a criminal act to deliberately and unlawfully acquire passwords, access codes, or other credentials to gain unauthorized entry into information systems and websites.

Building on this, Chapter Three addresses the misuse of technology itself. It criminalizes the acquisition, possession, distribution, or use of any devices, equipment, software, or data intended to facilitate cybercrimes. Furthermore, Chapter Four introduces a provision that criminalizes the concealment of, or refusal to provide, secret codes and access credentials to judicial authorities during investigations, ensuring that law enforcement can effectively pursue offenders.

Combating Impersonation and Organized Crime

The legislation also tackles the growing issue of identity theft in the digital realm. Chapter Five makes it an offense to impersonate a natural or legal person via websites or information systems to obtain unlawful benefits through fraudulent means.

On a larger scale, Chapter Eight targets organized cybercrime. It establishes that establishing, participating in, supporting, or cooperating with organized criminal groups that utilize information technology to commit offenses is a punishable crime, reflecting the state's commitment to dismantling sophisticated digital criminal networks.

Content Regulation and Financial Crimes

Chapter Six provides a comprehensive framework for content-related offenses, divided into five sections. These cover crimes against the State, offenses affecting families and society, online gambling, the creation or operation of sites hosting pornographic material, violations of intellectual property rights, and acts of defamation and slander. The law also specifically addresses the spread of content harmful to public order, including rumors, material promoting terrorism, racial discrimination, and hate speech.

Financial security is addressed in Chapter Seven, which criminalizes the use of information technology tools to forge electronic payment methods or unlawfully obtain payment details to secure services or benefits.

Judicial Cooperation and Final Provisions

The final chapter outlines procedural aspects, including offenses that require formal complaints, the liability of legal entities, and penalties for incitement, assistance, or conspiracy related to the crimes covered by the law.

The enactment of this law represents a cornerstone of Oman's broader strategy to strengthen cybersecurity, protect digital rights, and promote the safe and responsible use of information technology across the Sultanate. By introducing these rigorous measures, Oman aims to create a more secure digital environment for its citizens, businesses, and government institutions.