Saudi Gazette report AL–KHOBAR — Technology has increased communications and interaction between people, who have become dependent on various gadgets in their daily life. Such technology has transformed people into mobile media stations, as they record daily events and upload them to the various social networking sites on the Internet. In the absence of effective deterrent laws, some people even use the Internet to spread rumors and false information to instigate problems and differences in society, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported on Monday. The newspaper quoted several specialists saying that criminal information laws have not been applied properly to deter those invade the privacy of others. They stressed the need for cooperation between families and social institutions to increase awareness, and to spread the culture of rights. Specialists believe that there is a need for specialized courts to deal with Internet crime and restrain encroachments. Dr. Zamel Abu Znadah, a former member of the Shoura Council, said that many individuals adopt extreme ideas and believes and try promoting them through social networking sites. He added that the positive side of technology is increasing social interaction between individuals, and the negative is the invasion of others' privacy. Dr. Saud Kateb, a specialist in communication skills and media technology at Jeddah's King Abdulaziz University, said that the criminal information law is not being applied in earnest. The law has defined the violations that are punishable by law, and there are punishments for invasion of privacy. He added that, however, this law is not usually enforced. Any one subjected to harassment, should complain to the concerned authorities, he said. Dr. Kateb stressed the role of the concerned authorities in assuring people rights, and in facilitating the procedures for those who seek their rights, and called upon families and educational bodies to stress the importance of respecting the privacy and rights of others. Dr. Saleh Al-Aqeel, sociology specialist, said that those using modern technology are not aware of its useful capabilities, and called for more awareness of the effects of such technology. He said that the purpose of modern technology is not infringing upon the privacy of others, and circulating wrong information to others. He added that there is a dire need for awareness. “It will take some time before becoming a reality,” he said. Dr. Al-Aqeel said that there are also those who seek to weaken security and spread differences between society members, and that all society members should unite to foil such attempts.
