Media laws at Saudi Arabia
Media laws in Saudi Arabia are shaped by the country’s political, religious, and cultural framework, and are among the most tightly regulated in the world. Here's an overview of the key aspects:
📜 Legal Framework
Saudi Arabia does not have a comprehensive media law code like in some countries, but several royal decrees, regulations, and bodies govern the media landscape:
Basic Law of Governance (1992): This functions like a constitution and establishes that media must adhere to Islamic law (Sharia) and serve national interests.
Press and Publications Law (2000): Regulates both print and electronic media. It prohibits content that:
Contradicts Islamic teachings
Defames the royal family or government officials
Criticizes the judiciary or religious leaders
Threatens public order or national unity
🏛️ Regulatory Bodies
Ministry of Media (formerly Ministry of Culture and Information): Oversees licensing, monitoring, and content approval for media outlets.
General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM): Regulates broadcast and digital media, including video games and streaming platforms.
Cybercrime Law (2007): Criminalizes online defamation, dissemination of false information, and content that affects "public order, religious values, public morals, and privacy."
📵 Censorship
Pre- and post-publication censorship are both employed.
Journalists and media outlets often practice self-censorship to avoid penalties.
Online platforms (e.g., Twitter, YouTube) are monitored, and content deemed offensive is often blocked or removed.
📰 Freedom of the Press
Saudi Arabia ranks low in global press freedom indexes.
Independent journalism is limited; most media are state-controlled or owned by entities close to the government.
Journalists and bloggers critical of the government have been jailed, harassed, or banned.
💡 Notable Trends
Vision 2030: The government is pushing for modernization, which includes opening up entertainment and media sectors. However, the liberalization in media content does not extend to political reporting or criticism.
Digital media growth: Despite tight regulations, Saudi youth are highly active on social media, which has become a key space for public discourse.
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