The World Cup is fast approaching and so is the wave of supporters. But for them, a sensitive point is looking: their smartphone. On November 11, the National Commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL) advised supporters traveling to Qatar to use blank or disposable phones. Some extra precautions must be taken to avoid being arrested.
Online betting and gambling is prohibited in the emirate. The offender risks imprisonment “for a period not exceeding three months and/or a fine not exceeding 3,000 Qatari riyals (approximately 800 euros),” according to article 275 of the local Penal Code. Therefore, a fan who bet through his phone before a game would be arrested; still, he would have to be caught. Therefore, it is recommended to uninstall any such application.
Another ban, LGBT dating apps like Grindr, as homosexuality is illegal and repressed in Qatar.
Two suspicious official applications
For any fan who goes to the country, the person must, on the other hand, download two applications: the official World Cup application, Hayya, which will be used to check tickets in front of the stadiums, and the Covid tracking application. , Ehteraz. But these are accused of being spyware for the Qatari authorities. They would give them extensive access to fan data, as well as the ability to read, delete or edit content and even make direct calls.
In this way, “special attention must be paid to photos, videos or digital content that may put you in difficulties with respect to local legislation,” the CNIL specified. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that the phone does not host any content that may be contrary to local laws.
Source: BFM TV
