Al Doseri Highlights Bahrain’s Legal Framework Against Digital Threats
Digital protection for parliamentarians while safeguarding public debate and freedom of expression.
MP Ali Saqr Al Doseri highlighted Bahrain’s legislative measures to combat digital threats and protect individuals, personal data and parliamentarians during a panel discussion at the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Tanzania.
Speaking at the session, titled “United for Safe Online Policy for Parliamentarians,” moderated by MP Hassan Ibrahim Hassan, Al Doseri said Bahrain has established a comprehensive legal framework to address unlawful activities carried out through digital and technological means.
He referred to Law (60) of 2014 on Information Technology Crimes, which criminalises unlawful acts committed using technological means, and Law (30) of 2018 on Personal Data Protection, which regulates the collection, processing and use of personal data and protects the right to privacy.
Al Doseri stressed that creating a safe online environment has become essential to parliamentary work and effective political participation. While digital platforms have expanded opportunities for communication, transparency and public engagement, they have also increased exposure to threats, abuse, defamation, hate speech, misinformation and privacy violations.
He said protection for parliamentarians must be balanced with the need to preserve public debate and freedom of expression, while ensuring effective measures against unlawful digital targeting.
The MP also pointed to additional gender-based risks faced by women parliamentarians, including personal targeting, disclosure of private information and the use of artificial intelligence to create fake content.
He called for effective reporting, response and support mechanisms, alongside stronger digital security for parliamentary accounts, data and communications.
Al Doseri further underlined the role of parliaments in developing legislation, strengthening institutional safeguards and raising awareness and capacity to address emerging digital risks. He also highlighted the importance of parliamentary codes of conduct and rapid mechanisms for reporting online threats.
