Spying on spouse’s phone is now punishable in Saudi Arabia

Spying on your spouse’s phone is no more a light matter in Saudi, rather it is now a criminal offence potentially punishable by a hefty fine – and a year in jail.

The punishment ranges from imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, and a fine of not more than 500,000 riyals ($133,000), or either one of these penalties in case the husband or wife are spying on the other’s phone, in order to catch a wrongful act.

According to legal sources, the penalty is imposed on the husband or wife in the case of illegally accessing the other’s smartphone, and it would be enough as proof that the phone is protected by a password that was deciphered to invade privacy.

If the husband and wife gave out or sent the information obtained through electronic means of communication, the penalty then is one year in prison and a fine of 500, 000 riyals ($133,000).

However, If the phone is accessed without using or sharing the information, the crime in this case will result in a penalty with a warning from the judge according to the circumstances of the case, and the damage caused to the person whose cell phone was accessed.