Saudi Arabia: Closed consultation on Amended Communications and Information Technology System draft including content moderation authority governance

On 7 August 2024, the Communications and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia (CITC) closes the public consultation on the Draft Amendment to the Communications and Information Technology System, including content moderation authority governance. The Amendment provides that the Authority may handle violations by investigating and prosecuting offenders and may suspend services as needed. The amendment also provides that seized items will be retained until the violation is resolved, with the possibility of compensatory claims by violators. The amendment also provides fines of up to SAR 25 million in case of violation and partial or complete service suspension, license deprivation, and blocking of digital content platforms.