S Arabia outlaws spying on spouse’s phone

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday announced “spying” on your spouse’s phone is now a criminal offence potentially punishable by a hefty fine — and a year in jail.

“Married individuals planning to spy on their spouse in Saudi Arabia will need to think twice, because such an activity could potentially attract a fine of 500,000 riyals ($133,000), along with a prison term for a year,” read an English-language statement released by Saudi Arabia’s information ministry. The provision, part of a new anti-cybercrime law which came into force last week, is meant to “protect morals of individuals and society and protect privacy”, the ministry said. The move comes amid a “steady increase in cybercrimes such as blackmail, embezzlement and defamation”, the statement said.

Saudi Arabia has launched a string of highly-publicised policy changes since the rise of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to power last year. The country will allow women to drive as of June and has lifted a decades-long ban on cinemas.