Oman: Be careful WhatsApp users, 3 years in jail and a fine of 5,000 riyals

Users in Oman could face up to three years in prison and a 5,000-riyal fine for misusing emojis on the WhatsApp, users were warned.

According to Arab media reports, if character emojis are sent on WhatsApp to make fun of a local or foreigner in Oman, he will be jailed and fined, which will not exceed 3 years imprisonment and 5,000 riyals.

According to the report, the law will apply to users who post character emojis on WhatsApp to ridicule and ridicule someone, a practice that has been described as a wrongdoing in the Omani Penal Code.

Talking to a local news agency, Omani lawyer Saleh Al-Muqbali said that in recent days, various Omani and non-Omani character emojis have been sent on WhatsApp in a satirical manner which falls under the category of ridicule.

He said it would be a crime to ridicule character emojis and send them to other users for offense.

He further added that without the consent of the other party, the act would be considered as a violation of the privacy of individuals, which would be punishable by the above fine and imprisonment under the Omani Penal Code.