Taking video sans permission illegal

JEDDAH: Taking a video without permission can be a criminal offense under certain circumstances, according to legal experts.
Mohammad Al-Atiyah, a lawyer, reportedly told a local publication that filming in public places is permissible but can be considered a violation if it breaches the privacy of individuals. “No person has the right to post such images on social media,” he said.
He said such images are considered in two ways: Either in the public interest or a violation. Citizens must be careful when filming others because they could become criminally liable, he said.
Hamoud Farhan Al-Khaldi, a lawyer, said people taking films with their phone cameras commit various irregularities. “Despite the many positives, mainly limiting theft, harassment and other offenses, these videos nonetheless can be used in negative ways to defame or degrade the violator,” he said.
“If the intention of filming the violation is blackmail, this is a cybercrime punishable by Saudi law, which includes a one-year prison sentence and a fine of SR500,000. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison and a SR5 million fine,” he said.