Legal Accountability in the Digital Sphere: a Cross-Jurisdictional Study of Social Media Laws in the UK and Bahrain

Purpose: The study seeks to explore the civil and criminal liabilities arising from social media usage in the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Bahrain. By delving into the legal complexities within these jurisdictions, the research aims to propose a unified model law that bridges the regulatory gaps across borders. The objective is to harmonize social media regulations, ensuring a consistent and effective legal framework capable of addressing the growing challenges of online harms, while safeguarding individual rights. Theoretical Reference: The study draws on theories of civil and criminal liability, regulatory frameworks for digital interactions, and perspectives on freedom of speech and data protection. These theoretical foundations guide the analysis of the legal complexities surrounding social media usage in both jurisdictions. Method; A doctrinal and comparative methodology is utilized. The research analyzes legal texts, case law, and scholarly literature to assess the civil and criminal liability laws in the UK and Bahrain, exploring the disparities and similarities between these legal frameworks. Results and Conclusion: The findings highlight significant disparities between the two jurisdictions. The UK has a comprehensive legal framework, including GDPR and the Online Safety Bill, which contrasts sharply with Bahrain's reliance on stringent criminal statutes and limited civil remedies. The study concludes that a balanced approach to regulation is necessary, one that protects individual rights while effectively addressing social media misuse. Implications of Research: The study’s implications are broad, suggesting that the UK’s robust legal framework can offer valuable insights for Bahrain and other jurisdictions. The proposed unified model law could enhance consistency and effectiveness in regulating social media globally, contributing to legal scholarship and informing future legal reforms and policy interventions. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its comparative approach to analyzing social media liability laws in two distinct jurisdictions. The proposal of a unified model law is a novel contribution that could significantly influence global legal standards for social media regulation, offering a path toward more consistent and balanced legal frameworks.