In Saudi Arabia, Sending Red Heart Emojis Can Lead To Jail Time

OKAZ newspaper reports that a Saudi expert in cybercrime is warning the public to avoid sending someone a red heart on WhatsApp, as doing so can result in jail time for the sender.

The sender may receive a prison sentence of two to five years in addition to a fine of SR100,000 if convicted of the crime.

Al Moataz Kutbi, member of the Anti-Fraud Association in Saudi Arabia, told the Saudi newspaper that sending red hearts on WhatsApp counts as harassment. He added that certain expressions and images used in online chats may amount to harassment if the victim files a lawsuit.

In addition, he warned users of apps not to engage in conversations with nonauthorized users or to engage in uncomfortable or intrusive conversations and not to use inappropriate expressions or red hearts emojis.

Harassment is a verbal or physical act with a sexual connotation which involves touching another's body, dishonouring their honor, or infringing upon their modesty through any means. He said that some (emojis) carry connotations of sexuality, based on society's custom, such as red hearts and red roses.

By making it clear that the sender would take responsibility for such abuses if the violation was reported to the appropriate authorities and the offender was convicted, he made it clear that such abuse will not be tolerated. For repeated offenses, a fine of up to SR300,000 along with five years of imprisonment may be levied against the suspect. In this case, a fine up to SR100,000 may be levied and/or a jail term of up to two years may be imposed.

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