Rise of Generative AI

Welcome to the latest edition of Law Update titled “Rise of Generative AI.”

In this edition, we dive into the dynamic world of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. TMT continues to play a vital role in positioning the region as an international business and social hub, driving significant growth and innovation.

Our focus in this Law Update is on the sector’s ongoing potential to advance and propel the region toward a more digital economy. We explore the benefits of embracing a digital transformation and how local authorities have responded by enhancing regulations to accommodate the evolving TMT landscape.

This edition covers a range of topics, including – the new Telecommunications & Information Technology Law in Saudi Arabia, the intricacies of trademarks in the Metaverse, and the legal challenges faced by the video game industry. Additionally, we take a regional perspective, discussing jurisdictions such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Bahrain to provide a comprehensive understanding of the TMT landscape.

We hope you thoroughly enjoy this packed issue of Law Update, filled with captivating articles that address key legal issues within a vital sector for the region.

Read the full edition

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February 2011
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Saudi Arabia – New Web Publishing Law

Saudi Arabia – New Web Publishing Law

Salah Deeb

info@tamimi.com

Saudi Arabia has recently announced new implementing regulations for web publication (the “Regulations”) which will come into force after one month from publication in the official gazette. The Regulation applies to owners (whether Saudi nationals or residents of Saudi Arabia) of web publication means operating from Saudi Arabia and foreign websites that are hosted in Saudi Arabia.

The Regulations regulate 13 types of web publications which are as follows:

Electronic newspapers;
Media websites (TV, radio, newspapers, magazines…etc);
Electronic advertising;
Websites for displaying audio visual materials;
Broadcast via mobile phone;
Broadcast via other means;
Forums (Montadyat);
Blogs;
Personal Websites;
Mailing groups;
Electronic archive;
Chatting rooms; and
Any form of web publishing that the Ministry of Information and Culture decides to add from time to time.

Types 1-6 are subject to license and types 7-12 along with type 13, are subject to registration with the Ministry of Information and Culture. An applicant for a license must; (a) be a Saudi; (b) be no less than 20 years of age; (c) have high school certificate; (d) hold an appropriate license for the same activity; (e) be of good behavior and conduct; (f) have a specific mail address; (g) specify email address; (h) employ editors in chief who have been approved by the Ministry of Information and Culture; (i) have a domain name. An applicant for registration must; (a) be a Saudi or resident of Saudi Arabia ;(b ) be of good behavior and conduct; (c) have a specific mail address; (d) specify email address; (e) have an operational website.

The Regulations specify who is liable for the content published on the web. For example, the editor in chief or his deputy and the author are responsible for the content. Furthermore, the licensee must specify who is responsible for content, otherwise he will be liable. The owner of a personal website is responsible for the content.

A person found to be acting in violation of the Regulations is subject to one of the following penalties: