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The policies, politics, and tech shaping the MENA+
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Tasked with enabling the people, businesses, and government of Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the opportunities of the digital age.
Established to advance the communications and information technology sector in order to create a highly competitive environment, to provide superior services to subscribers, and to establish an attractive ecosystem for investors.
Tasked with enhancing the potentials of both commerce and investment sectors and to protect the beneficiaries' interests, by developing and implementing effective and efficient policies and mechanisms which will contribute to achieving sustainable economic development.
The ministry works in an active role by identifying and preserving the Saudi identity, spreading Islamic values in the Saudi citizen's life, and expressing the achievements of Saudi Arabia.
Several divisions involved in online safety including security affairs, public security, child exploitation and referrals to emergency and support organizations.
Operates Saudi Child Helpline which provides referrals to emergency and support organizations.
Operates a helpline to assist individuals at risk which offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to emergency and support organizations.
Implements online security awareness programs and investigates cybercrimes.
Multi-pronged plan to revitalize the Saudi economy, society and the nation as a whole
Set of measures to accelerated development of primary and digital infrastructure in the Kingdom
Saudi Arabia’s ICT Strategy 2023 is aimed at accelerating the sector's growth by 50 percent and raising its contribution to the GDP by SR 50 billion.
To develop high focus strategic sectors by growing and maximizing the impact of PIF investments
Summarizes the key fiscal and monetary measures to mitigate the economic and public health fallout of the Coronavirus pandemic
E-Commerce Laws
The Ministry of Commerce and Investment introduced the e-commerce law which came into effect on Oct. 24th. The law is applicable to the provision of goods or services via an electronic store within the KSA or any electronic platform or store that can be accessed by consumers in the KSA. It is designed to increase transparency, protect consumers and enhance the integrity of online transactions. Penalties for breaching the law are substantial and include fines up to $267,000.
The Law notified in 2007 aims to create a regulatory framework for electronic transfers and signatures
Cyber Security Laws
The Anti-Cyber Crime Law aims to ensure the safe exchange of data; protect the rights of users of the computers and the internet, and; protect the public interest and morals as well as people’s privacy. The law states that anyone who commits a cyber-crime will be subject to a prison term of up to five years and/or a significant fine.
Similar to the Cybercrime Law, it defines terrorist acts in broad terms that encompass nonviolent political, social, and religious offenses related to digital activities and content.
Online Content Laws
This 2003 law was furthered the regulation of media, encompassing books, drawings, writings, photographs, films, recordings, radio, and television broadcasts. Despite being written from the perspective of print media, the law extends to online content.
Gives the Communication and Information Technology Commission the power to regulate the communications sector and block content deemed to be "undesirable".
Enables the blocking of websites for piracy and copyright infringement.
Enables the blocking of websites for piracy and copyright infringement and stipulates that the copyright protection covers computer software and architectural works.
Data Privacy Laws
Draft law under discussion by the Shura Council that is likely to consist of general provisions to give individuals the right to view data retained by public governmental entities, with the exception of ‘confidential data’.
Emerging Tech Laws
Regulatory framework notified in 2019 to set requirements of security, content and protection of data stored on the cloud
Established in 2019, the law seeks to regulate IoT devices, networks and data storage used in the Kingdom.
Establishes guidelines for ride-sharing platforms and taxi services, including the requirement that only Saudi citizens are eligible to work as drivers for ride-sharing apps.
