Saudi Minister of Information: 49 content creators summoned for violating publishing regulations
His Excellency the Saudi Minister of Media, Mr. Salman Al-Dossari, affirmed the Kingdom's firm stance against any media content that harms national interests, revealing details of the General Authority for Media Regulation's summons of 49 content creators for violations related to publishing regulations. Al-Dossari emphasized that these measures fall within the Authority's regulatory role to ensure a responsible media environment that serves society and preserves its values and principles.
The regulatory context of the media sector in the Kingdom
This move comes within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to regulate the growing digital and media landscape, which has witnessed tremendous growth in line with the goals of Vision 2030. With the significant expansion in the use of social media platforms and the increasing number of content creators, the need has arisen for clear regulatory frameworks that balance freedom of expression with the protection of intellectual and societal security. The General Authority for Media Regulation, as the supervisory body, is working to implement the Audiovisual Media Law and its executive regulations, which aim to develop the sector and ensure that all practitioners adhere to professional and ethical standards.
Details of the violations and their legal basis
Minister Al-Dossari explained that the observed violations centered around “misleading public opinion and distorting facts,” which goes beyond the bounds of constructive, objective criticism welcomed by the media system. He pointed out that the offending content exploited digital influence tools to spread false information and harm public awareness, constituting a clear violation of Article 5, Paragraph 12 of the Audiovisual Media Law. This article prohibits broadcasting or publishing any content that “disrupts public order, harms the reputation or standing of the state, or conflicts with the requirements of the national interest.”.
Importance and expected impact of the measures
Domestically, this measure sends a clear message to all those working in the content creation sector that there is a legal and ethical responsibility attached to what is published. This step is expected to raise awareness among content creators about the importance of verifying information and providing reliable and credible content, thus enhancing the quality of the digital media landscape in the Kingdom. Regionally, this move places the Kingdom among the countries taking serious measures to combat misinformation and fake news, a global phenomenon that has become a major challenge for governments and societies alike.
In closing, the Minister of Media reiterated that these observed violations remain very limited compared to the overall number of content creators who adhere to regulations. He expressed confidence in the awareness of Saudi citizens and their ability to distinguish between constructive criticism and attempts at incitement and misinformation practiced by violators, emphasizing that the Authority will continue to enforce regulations on everyone without exception.
