Cyber Law at Bahrain
Bahrain has established a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to address cybercrime, data protection, and cybersecurity.
Cybercrime Legislation
Law No. 60 of 2014 on Information Technology Crimes criminalizes various cyber offenses, including unauthorized access to computer systems, data breaches, identity theft, and electronic fraud. The law also addresses online hate speech and the dissemination of illegal content. It applies to both individuals and entities exploiting technology and the internet for criminal activities.
Data Protection Law
The Personal Data Protection Law No. 30 of 2018, effective from August 1, 2019, regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data in Bahrain. It mandates that personal data may not be obtained or processed without the explicit written consent of the data subject, unless otherwise permitted by law. The law also requires prior authorization from the Ministry of Justice for certain processing activities, such as linking personal data from multiple entities or using biometric data for identity verification. Additionally, it grants individuals rights to access, rectify, block, or erase their personal data, and to object to its use for direct marketing purposes.
Cybersecurity and Institutional Framework
Bahrain has established several institutions to enhance its cybersecurity posture:
Cyber Crime Directorate: Part of the Ministry of Interior Affairs, responsible for investigating and reporting on cybercrimes.
National Cyber Security Center: Established by Royal Decree No. (65) of 2017, it provides consultation in the fields of cyber policies, cybersecurity, and security system development.
CERT.bh: The Computer Emergency Response Team of Bahrain, mandated by the Supreme Council for Information and Communication Technology, focuses on responding to cybersecurity incidents and enhancing national cyber resilience.
International Cooperation
Bahrain ratified the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences in 2017, strengthening regional cooperation in combating cybercrime. This agreement facilitates collaboration among Arab countries in the field of combating information technology crimes.
In summary, Bahrain has developed a robust legal and institutional framework to address cybercrime, data protection, and cybersecurity, aligning with international standards and regional cooperation efforts.
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