Monday 01 / June / 2026
Muscat: The Law on Combating Cybercrimes, promulgated by Royal Decree No. 61/2026, aims to enhance national digital security, protect society from cybercrime, safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of electronic information and data, and strengthen the protection of digital evidence through stricter legal deterrents and tougher penalties for offences committed using information technology.
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology said the law seeks to reinforce cybercrime deterrence, protect websites, information systems and digital infrastructure, and ensure compliance with intellectual property rights.
The legislation also aims to protect the dignity and privacy of individuals by criminalising threats, blackmail, fraud and online abuse.
It addresses the spread of content that could harm public order, including rumours, material promoting terrorism, racial discrimination and hate speech.
Chapter Two of the law criminalises offences against electronic information, data and information systems, including the deliberate and unlawful acquisition of passwords, access codes and other means used to gain unauthorised entry to information systems and websites.
Chapter Three addresses the misuse of information technology, criminalising the acquisition, possession, distribution or use of devices, equipment, software and data intended to commit or facilitate cybercrimes.
Chapter Four criminalises the concealment of, or refusal to provide, secret codes and access credentials required by judicial authorities during investigations into offences covered by the law.
Chapter Five deals with online impersonation, making it an offence to impersonate a natural or legal person through websites, information systems or other information technology means to obtain unlawful benefits for oneself or others through fraudulent methods.
Chapter Six focuses on content-related offences and is divided into five sections. These cover crimes against the State, offences affecting families and society, online gambling, the creation or operation of websites and accounts containing pornographic material, violations of intellectual property rights, and acts of defamation and slander.
Chapter Seven criminalises the use of websites, information systems or information technology tools to forge electronic payment methods or unlawfully obtain payment details for the purpose of securing services or benefits for oneself or others.3
Chapter Eight targets organised cybercrime, making it an offence to establish, participate in, support or cooperate with organised criminal groups that use information technology to commit offences outlined in the law.
Chapter Nine sets out the final provisions, including offences that require formal complaints, the liability of legal entities, and penalties for incitement, assistance or conspiracy to commit crimes covered under the legislation.
The new law forms part of Oman’s broader efforts to strengthen cybersecurity, protect digital rights and promote the safe and responsible use of information technology across society.
