Saudi Arabia: Adopted Executive Regulations of the Telecommunications Law including consumer protection regulation

On 8 December 2022, the executive regulations of the Telecommunications Law were adopted by Ministerial decision. Service providers are required to impose certain consumer protection provisions. Firstly, complaint channels are required as well as their periodic review. If the proposed solution is not satisfactory or the service provider did not address the complaint, users may submit a complaint to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CITC). While the CITC reviews the complaint, service providers may not suspend or change the offered services or request payments from the user. Additionally, service providers are required to have protocols for the handling of service deficiencies, errors, and repeated complaints. Finally, service providers are required to treat users fairly and without discrimination.