What happens if I access someone else's account or system without permission in Qatar?

Unauthorised access to any website, information system, or online account is a criminal offence in Qatar. Article 2 of the Cybercrime Prevention Law covers unlawful access to systems belonging to government authorities, while Article 4 addresses unauthorised access to private information systems and websites. Penalties for accessing a private system without permission can reach 2 years in prison and a fine of up to QR 100,000, or either penalty alone.

If the unauthorised access involves a government system or results in data being obtained, modified, deleted, or disclosed, the penalties are significantly higher. Article 3 provides for up to 3 years in prison and a fine of up to QR 500,000 where someone intentionally damages, disrupts, or interferes with data on an information system.

For expats, this means that actions which might seem minor — such as logging into a colleague's work account using a shared password without explicit authorisation, or accessing a former employer's system after leaving a job — can constitute a criminal offence. Always ensure you have clear, documented permission before accessing any system, account, or device that does not belong to you.