The amendments to Qatar’s cybercrime law place a strong emphasis on intent and focus when capturing images or videos in public.

In Doha, where phones often rise to capture a Corniche sunset or the bustle of Souq Waqif, a new law is shaping how moments are shared. Qatar’s cybercrime amendment aims to protect privacy and online safety, while creators seek ways to celebrate the nation’s beauty within the updated guidelines.

The revised law by Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, published in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2025, introduces Article (8 bis) to Law No. (14) of 2014 on combating cybercrime, and it carries significant penalties: 

”Anyone who violates another’s privacy by capturing and sharing visual material without permission “shall be inflicted [with] imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, and by a fine not exceeding (100,000) one hundred thousand Qatari Riyals, or by either of these two penalties.”

For journalist Mouza Al-Ishaq, attending  Doha’s crowded markets or attending public events no longer comes with the same worries about privacy. The new law amendments, she says, acts as a safeguard for women and media professionals alike. “Today, as media professionals and women, we are empowered with strong legal protection that preserves our privacy and enables us to actively contribute in the digital and cultural spheres worldwide.”

Worries about photos of oneself at a public event or family moments being shared or misused online have eased. ‘Thanks to these decisive laws, we no longer carry the same concerns we once did,’ Al-Ishaq says. 

She sees the amendment as a landmark step in shielding society, preserving Qatar’s cultural identity, and keeping women and families safe in the digital age.

Creators ask: How can we showcase Doha’s beauty safely?

While Al-Ishaq appreciates the law’s role in safeguarding personal privacy for herself and other women in Qatar, ensuring images of her and her family are shared thoughtfully, some media professionals are still navigating the details and seeking greater clarity.

On a busy weekend evening at Souq Waqif, or against the Corniche sunset, photographers like Mary navigate the bustling streets to capture the vibrancy of Doha.

For her, the law is a welcome measure to ensure that privacy is respected in public spaces. ”Privacy is very important. We know the rule and if we post something, we post not with the intention to harm other people and it’s always with consent,” she said.

Still, she acknowledged the practical questions that many in her field now consider: “Is verbal consent enough? Or must it be written proof? And what about crowd shots in places like Souq Waqif or Katara—do we need consent from everyone there?”

With her phone always in hand and camera ready, chasing the best angles of Doha’s cafes, restaurants, and cultural events, the same questions arise for social media creator Valeriia Lauriti, the face behind New Places on Instagram. ”My aim as a content creator based in Qatar is to promote the country’s events and destinations to locals, expats, and visitors,” she explained. ”At large-scale events, it’s simply impossible to obtain consent from thousands of attendees.”

Lauriti dedicates her platform to showcasing Doha’s cafes, beaches, and cultural events, and while she views the new amendment as vital for responsible content creation, she still considers how to navigate her work safely within the law.

Legal clarifications: Capturing the beauty of Qatari life within the law

The amendments to Qatar’s cybercrime law place a strong emphasis on intent and focus when capturing images or videos in public, Qatar based Law Firm of Dr. Reem Al-Ansari clarifies.

For the law firm of Dr. Reem Al-Ansari, these elements are crucial when taking photos in public places in order to make sure it is in compliance with law. “There’s a difference between someone appearing in the background and being intentionally focused on. Spontaneous filming is generally acceptable, but it is always safer to avoid showing identifiable individuals.”

They added that crowd photography is acceptable in most circumstances: “In general, taking a photo that captures a large crowd does not require the consent of every individual. However, consent is necessary when a person is the main focus of the photo or video, when the image presents someone in a way that could harm their dignity, reputation, or privacy, or when the photo or video is intended for publication.”

To provide clarity for professionals and the public, the firm outlined the law’s broader implications. “Consent should be clear and verifiable. Verbal consent can be difficult to prove, so it is safer to obtain it in writing or through electronic means such as a message or email,” they explained.

Clarifying the scope of public spaces, they noted, “Public places are any location that people can enter or be present in naturally and lawfully, whether owned by the state or privately, as long as they are open and accessible to the public. This includes malls, parks, the Corniche, stadiums, and restaurants. Schools also fall under this definition, though they require special permission for filming.”

When it comes to events such as concerts, parades, and conferences, from Dr. Al-Ansari Law firm, they emphasised that photography is generally expected, creating implied consent for wide shots. “However, explicit consent must be obtained if the person is the main subject, if privacy or dignity is affected, or if the material is for commercial use.” 

She also reminded creators, “If you are using professional equipment or filming for a specific purpose, it is important to clearly communicate this and obtain permission and consent from those being recorded.”

On the issue of possible withdrawal of consent after it was initially given, their message was clear: “As long as there is written and signed consent, it cannot be withdrawn, especially after the content has been published. This does not constitute a violation of the law.” 

Enforcement, she stressed, rests with the Ministry of Interior’s Cybercrimes Unit: “They are responsible for investigating claims, assessing allegations, and ultimately determining and imposing sanctions.”

They also pointed out that other laws remain relevant: “Even if your actions do not fall under Article 8 bis, other provisions within the Penal Code, such as Article 333, may still criminalize behaviour,” implicating the need to comply with other segments of public life that are regulated by separate laws.

Article 333 of Law No. 11 of 2004 (amended in 2017), as Law Firm of Dr. Reem Al-Ansari clarifies, imposes penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a fine of QAR 10,000 for anyone who invades another person’s private life without consent. 

This includes actions such as tapping or recording private conversations, capturing or sharing photos and videos in private settings, and sharing media of the injured, deceased, or accident victims without authorisation.

As Mary put it, “We know our part, and with clear guidance we can make sure to follow the law exactly.” Lauriti echoed this alignment: “With clear rules, we can represent Qatar proudly and safely.” 

The law serves as a reminder that digital expression and personal privacy can and must coexist under a strong legal and ethical framework.