ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SAUDI CYBERSECURITY REGULATIONS IN COMBATING CYBER SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Abstract

Cyber sexual harassment, which includes unwanted sexual advances, sharing of explicit content, blackmail, and stalking using digital platforms has increased as the Saudi Arabia experiences a fast digital transformation as outlined by Vision 2030. This paper evaluates how Saudi cybersecurity and associated laws, mainly the Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2007) and the Anti-Harassment Law (2018), respond to these harms considering cultural and enforcement issues and processes. The paper assesses legal provisions, enforcement mechanisms, protection of victims, and gaps in dealing with cyber sexual harassment, specifically, using a doctrinal-comparative and qualitative approach. The most important tools are Articles 3 and 6 of the Anti-Cyber Crime Law (invasion of privacy, defamation, intrusion on the public morals) and the general meaning of the Anti-Harassment Law which includes acts done via modern technology. Results show moderate influence of criminalization and public awareness with the support of National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) campaigns and warnings of Public Prosecution, but there are still weaknesses in the underreporting by cultural shame, difficulties in the evidence in a digital case, the alignment of procedures with general criminal law, and the absence of specific provisions on cyber sexual harassment. It has been recommended to focus on special training, behavioral prevention models, better reporting systems, and possible improvements in the legislature to better delineate and provide support to the victims.