Anti-Cybercrime Law in Saudi Arabia: Effectiveness and Areas for Improvement

Abstract

The legal framework is essential in combating crime and regulating national systems, prompting many countries to enact specific legislation to address cybercrimes amid increasing technological reliance. This dissertation examines the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cybercrime Law through a comparative analysis with the United Arab Emirates’ Law of Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes. The study evaluates the strengths and limitations of the Saudi legal framework and assesses the need for improvements. The findings reveal that, despite Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity initiatives, the legal aspects of cybercrime regulation receive less emphasis than the technological measures. These findings underscore the necessity of revising Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Cybercrime Law to align with evolving technological advancements, including artificial intelligence-related crimes, and to enhance international cooperation in combating cyber threats. Additionally, strengthening law enforcement agencies and consolidating institutional efforts would improve the implementation and awareness of cybercrime laws from both legal and technical perspectives. However, this study is limited by the availability of prior research, surveys, and statistical data. Future research could expand on these findings by conducting primary surveys and utilizing more accessible datasets.