Saudi Arabia: Adopted CST regulations for providing digital content platform services

On 1 January 2024, the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) adopted the regulations for providing digital content platform services. The regulation requires local and international digital content platforms, such as social media, video sharing, and e-sports platforms, to comply with new licensing, registration, and notification requirements. The regulation mandates satellite Pay TV and internet protocol television providers to obtain a 10-year licence from the CST, with an annual fee of SAR 50’000. The over-the-top platforms with more than 35’000 subscribers and on-demand radio platforms with more than 50’000 users are also required to register and pay the annual fee of SAR 50’000. The regulation also requires social media, video-sharing, and e-sports platforms with more than 100’000 users to register with the CST without any fee. The regulations clarify that exemptions apply for platforms already regulated in other countries or affiliated with licensed radio stations and that all providers must appoint a platform liaison officer.