The Prospects of Introducing a Unified Regulatory Framework for Telecommunication Interception and Access (TELIA) in the Gulf Region

Abstract

The increased use of technology has created opportunities for enhanced defenses against terrorism. The countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), just as eve- rywhere else, use technology as an intelligence parameter to prevent terrorism and maintain national security. Indeed, intercepting and accessing telecommunications may provide an important source in producing valuable data to prevent crimes, and in the investigation process. The increased dependence on intercepting and access- ing telecommunications means less respect for the right to privacy as one of the most significant human rights in today’s constitutions. Accordingly, it is critical that na- tions design regulatory frameworks that codify telecommunication interception and access with a clear balance between the objectives needed and the aim of achieving national security. A need for establishing a regulatory framework that complies with international standards, becomes essential. In this paper, we attempted to ensure that this paradigm is taken care of through the adoption of a unified regulatory regime for interception and access within the GCC region. The findings were based on five variable and one obstacle which seem to affect the conclusion in producing a unified regulatory regime for telecommunication interception and access within the GCC.