Saudi Arabia: Adopted Executive Regulations for the Audiovisual Media Law including content moderation requirements

On 10 December 2018, the executive regulations for the Audiovisual Media System were issued by the Minister of Information (Decision N. 16927). The aim of these executive regulations includes setting the basis for cultural, social, and religious considerations of media and advertisements to be rooted in Islam. Additionally, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) aims to support the media sector in the Kingdom, provide consumer access to media services, and impose consumer protections. The executive regulations provide a detailed account of content (including advertisements) that is illegal to disseminate online or access altogether. Apart from GCAM investigations, other enforcement strategies are provided by requesting the public to report any media violations by individuals or companies to the GCAM platform. Finally, the regulations specify advertisement standards to be respected. For example, advertisements related to pharmaceuticals, nutrition or investment may not be broadcast without prior approval.