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Capturing and sharing accident or disaster images without consent is illegal

28 Jul 2026 Capturing accident or disaster images without consent is illegal By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – The Public Prosecution has emphasized that respecting the privacy of victims is both a moral duty and a legal obligation. According to official awareness notices, taking, sharing, or publishing images or videos of injured persons, the deceased, or victims of accidents or disasters without the explicit consent of the concerned individuals or their legal representatives is strictly prohibited.

Under Article 36/4 of the law on Combating Cybercrimes, issued by Royal Decree No. 61/2026, such violations constitute a punishable crime. Offenders face strict penalties, including imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of up to RO 5000, or either of these penalties.

Authorities remind the public that what appears to be a casual scene on a phone camera often represents a tragedy for someone else, and compassion does not justify sharing the suffering of others.

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