Saudi Arabia: Adopted Regulation of the General Authority for Media Regulation

On 12 September 2023, the Council of Ministers adopted the Regulation of the General Authority for Media Regulation (No. 174). The regulation delineates the establishment, responsibilities, and governance of the General Authority for Media Regulation in Saudi Arabia. The responsibilities of the Authority include the oversight and development of the Kingdom's media sector, encompassing the formulation of policies, the monitoring of media content, and the promotion of investment. The regulation stipulates that the Authority must operate with financial and administrative independence and is linked to the Ministry of Information. The Board of Directors is chaired by the Minister of Information and comprises representatives from various ministries, as well as experts in the field of media. The Authority is responsible for establishing technical standards for broadcasting, regulating digital content, and ensuring compliance with advertising standards. The Authority replaces the General Commission for Audiovisual Media. The regulation enters into effect on the date of its publication in the official gazette.