Muscat – Authorities in Oman have warned parents about the growing risks of children being groomed through online games and social media, with some cases involving children being lured and subsequently subjected to kidnapping, trafficking and sexual abuse.

Speaking to Oman Radio, Dr Hussain bin Ali Al Senani, Assistant Public Prosecutor, highlighted the dangers of online grooming and urged parents to closely monitor their children’s use of electronic games and social media platforms.

He said the Public Prosecution has formed a specialised team to handle cybercrime cases, as digital crimes differ significantly from traditional offences in their nature, methods of commission, analysis and investigation.

Al Senani stressed that parents have a fundamental role in protecting children by maintaining regular oversight, building trust with them and raising their awareness of online risks.

“Parents should monitor their children’s Internet use, understand the nature of their online interactions and teach them not to share personal information or respond to requests from strangers,” he said.

He noted that some offenders use digital platforms to establish contact with children and gradually lure them into dangerous situations.

Al Senani also pointed out that Omani law provides for stricter penalties when the victim is a child, as part of efforts to strengthen legal protection and combat crimes targeting children.

Al Senani warned that some users also exploit electronic platforms to promote or publish material in ways that conflict with Omani values and traditions.

He said the Cybercrime Law was introduced to curb such violations and address offences committed through electronic means, noting that digital crimes can spread rapidly and have a far wider impact than traditional offences.

He cited the circulation of malicious rumours during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of how quickly misleading information can spread online and how difficult it can be to contain its impact once it reaches a wide audience.

He stressed that combating cybercrime requires greater public awareness and responsible use of digital platforms, alongside specialised legislation and mechanisms to address evolving forms of cybercrime.

Warning over photographs

Al Senani also warned against photographing people in public places without their permission, particularly when they are accompanied by their families.

He stressed that taking photographs of people without their consent may constitute a violation of the law, urging the public to respect privacy and exercise caution when using and sharing personal images.

He also warned that legal responsibility may extend beyond the person who originally captured an image or video. Anyone who reposts or circulates photographs or videos showing people without their consent may also face legal responsibility.

Al Senani urged the public to consider carefully before sharing or reposting content containing images or videos of others, particularly material recorded without their knowledge or consent.