Tougher punishments for misusing websites and social media are being studied by the Bahraini government, a report said.

The Cabinet approved a proposal to amend existing legislation during its weekly session yesterday (September 15), reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

It has now been referred to the ministerial committee concerned to recommend necessary action.

Minister of State for Information Affairs and official government spokeswoman Sameera Rajab told the Press after the session that Bahrain was already tackling cybercrime through new legislation and procedures.

"We are working on a comprehensive law against cybercrime and it will be drafted by the Interior Ministry to cover terrorism, political issues, training on weapons and promoting violence and defamation," she said.

"The new cybercrime legislation will be mainly under the Interior Ministry, but if it is concerned with certain establishments then the ministry concerned will react accordingly.

"For example, local newspapers have websites and social media tools - so they will come under my ministry in case of violations."

She said that advancements in the world required more action to combat cybercrime.

"New procedures to ensure there is no misuse will also be introduced as we look to tackle problems associated with websites and social media," she added.

The Bahrain government has already blocked several websites that it accuses of inciting terrorism and violence, as well as disseminating false information. – TradeArabia News Service