Oman’s Public Prosecution raises data usage awareness

16.01.2019

Oman Observer has shared some details of the Public Prosecution’s statement concerning disclosure of corporate information as a punishable offence.

Oman’s Public Prosecution has clarified the situation when a penalty is imposed in order to boost general awareness. Employees are asked to be mindful about sensitive information including trade secrets which are emphasised as the data demanding particular attention and discreet approach. No details can be shared without authorisation. Article (201) of the Penal Code states the following: “Anyone who intentionally discloses job secrets shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not less three months and a fine of RO 1,000 ($2600), even if the offence is committed after retirement or at the end of service.”

Employees who have witnessed data misuse or possess the evidence of a violation occurred due to another employee are to report an incident to the officials immediately, otherwise they will become subject to Article 196 of the Penal Code facing a one-year sentence and a RO 300 fine ($780).

One of the biggest data breach in Singapore’s history led to one of the heaviest penalties – IHiS and SingHealth got fined 1 million Singapore dollars ($740 000) by Personal Data Protection Commission.

The companies violated the Personal Data Protection Act disclosing data of 1,5 million patients due to not being reasonably prepared to ensure sensitive information safety.