The government of Saudi Arabia has decided to lift the ban to allow citizens to use the Whatsapp app. Yes, the Netflix application and website are available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also the Government of the country demanded Netflix not stream any content that will be against Islamic and national values. Saudi Arabia's anti-cybercrime law is one of the most restrictive in the region. Required fields are marked *. In a tweet on 13 September, Saudi minister of communication and information technologyAbdullah Al-Swaha announced that the ban on VoIP will be lifted within a week, a move that was welcomed by Saudi users who have been fiercely critical of the kingdom's VoIP censorship policies. Alhumood considered making videos on the platform, but dismissed the idea and only uses it to follow other people's videos. Surfshark: The best budget choice for Saudi Arabia. Indonesia temporarily blocked TikTok in July 2018, citing public concern regarding illegal content such as pornography and blasphemy. To tighten national security, Saudi Arabia moved to encrypted communication platforms, including Signal. Terms and Conditions Unmarried couples are not allowed to live together or stay in the same hotel room. The Saudi government may ensure that any content accessed from within the Kingdom is censored by gaining extensive control over the corporations that provide internet access. VoIP services, which include voice and video calls made over the internet, were banned in Saudi Arabia in 2013. Cybersecurity Roadmap for Beginners [2023]. We are travelling through a treacherous virtual time. The growth rate is 5.4% among active social media users. Tasked withregulatingthe communications and information technology sector with the aim of achieving a highly competitive environment for the provision of superior services to end-users and an attractive ecosystem for investors, the CITC is responsible forcensoringthousands of websites andsendingrequests to social media platforms when authorities wish for them to censor sensitive posts or other content. Saudi cybersecurity expert Abdullah Al-Jaber believed that concerns over the security of TikToks collected data stemmed from the apps country of origin and its rules and regulations. Saudi Arabia has no constitution and is ruled by a totalitarian monarchy in which the King exercises legislative, executive, and judicial powers. Saudi Arabia restricts your right to use VoIP, but a VPN allows you to do so with just a few clicks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Global Voices is supported by the efforts of our volunteer contributors, foundations, donors and mission-related services. SPL VPN is a zero-logs VPN service that allows you to access the web anonymously. Future Encrypt Pvt. Initially, observers thought the app was temporarily shut down because of a Chinese Communist Party meeting in October. This year there is an increase of 1.7 million users and 20 minutes of daily usage time compared to 2021. and our It is currently available to customers in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco. Some of the major mobile apps that are banned in Saudi Arabia are: Read More: How to Unblock WhatsApp Calling in the UAE. The ban was put in place due to concerns over the apps content and potential negative impact on the countrys conservative values and culture. Pricing. The top websites in Saudi Arabia are Google.com, Youtube.com, Google.com.sa, Microsoft.com, and Facebook.com. The growth rate in each aspect shows that people have started using VPNs in Saudi Arabia to access social media and other sites on the internet. pic.twitter.com/6Zk6b1TSJd. Quick Guide: Watch Hotstar India in Saudi Arabia in 3 Easy Steps. Some of these countries, like China and North Korea, also ban the use of VPNs. Privacy Policy Such measures, he added, are for benefit of users and the public. Indonesia temporarily blocked TikTok in July 2018, citing public concern regarding illegal content such as pornography and blasphemy. Saudi Arabia, an authoritarian and strongly religious state, censors the internet to preserve a ruling class and enforce a religious narrative under the guise of defending the Kingdoms peace, morality, and stability. Sign up for weekly global internet censorship news! Make sure the VPN server is in a country where WhatsApp isnt banned, but is geographically close to you. 22 Followers. All Saudi internet providers have restricted VoIP over Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger since 2013. In reality, this kind of control is usually exercised to stifle political opposition. Spoiler - VPNs are not only legal in KSA, but necessary for guaranteeing your right to privacy online. Watching or having adult content in ones mobile phone, tablet or any other such devices is illegal in Saudi Arabia. In the country, internet literacy has become a primary issue and top priority. Recently, the US became the third country to seriously consider banning the app, according to information from President Donald Trumps administration. Look, what happened with China with this virus, what theyve done to this country and to the entire world is disgraceful, he said. A full-blown ban of the app is very unlikely. He said that banning the app would be 'punishing China for its response to the coronavirus.'. 9 Animal Crossing: New . Video chat app in Saudi Arabia: There is a ban on several video calling apps in the market by Saudi Authorities. Other voice and video call services are available in the Kingdom, he said on the . Nowadays, the number of internet users on mobile phones is stunningly increasing. On average, they spend approximately 3 hours on social media on a daily basis. It is worth noting that social media is becoming an integral part of the Saudi Arabian lifestyle. Taking a 15 minute break to watch silly TikToks has helped me keep motivated. So, why shouldnt you utilize VoIP services, including WhatsApp calls? Even semi-nude contents are banned in the country including some news websites that show explicit content related to . The reliance of Europe on Indian crude oil products has surged. The government strictly monitors the internet and social media content in order to prevent extremist ideologies in the country. TikTok is a worldwide popular short-form video app that is used by people of all ages. According to IstiZada, a Jordanian digital marketing organization, around 500,000 websites were blocked in Jordan between 2007 and 2020. Snapchat's recent decision to remove Al Jazeera's Discover Arabic-language channel inside Saudi Arabia at the request of CITC raises concerns that the Saudi government is increasingly pressuring social media platforms and applications to comply with its repressive cybercrime laws. Shoppers in Saudi will be able to browse and buy products from both local and international businesses, including products from Amazon US. Many people are already trapped in cybercrime. The 4Sale app allowed you to filter by race, with different price brackets clearly on offer, according to category. . Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and other privacy features. Website promoting LGBT culture and rights. The remaining 0.18% of people are going to other devices. A project of Global Voices, we are a global anti-censorship network of bloggers and activists dedicated to protecting freedom of expression online. The Saudi Telecom Company is mainly state-owned, whereas Mobily and Zain are at least partially owned by the governments of the UAE and Kuwait, which all have censorship schemes similar to the Saudi government. Here, SPL VPN is definitely the best option! It has been banned in Saudi Arabia since 2019. WhatsApp isnt fully banned in Dubai or the other Emirates. A handful of countries have WhatsApp restrictions, often for political and security reasons. However, it was banned in Saudi Arabia due to concerns over inappropriate content and its potential negative impact on traditional values and customs. Many video games have already been prohibited in Saudi Arabia, including Grand Theft Auto V, Assassins Creed 2, and Street Fighter V. However, by connecting to a server location where certain video games are not prohibited, SPL VPN can access any content on the internet. Europe's refined fuel imports from India are set to surge above 360,000 barrels a day, edging just ahead of those of Saudi Arabia, Kpler's data show. Personal Abuse. In conclusion, Saudi Arabia has banned several popular apps due to security concerns, inappropriate content, and concerns over their potential negative impact on the countrys culture and values. . The Times, Fox News, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Post, and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation had a sudden block in the category of Foreign News Services. However, things were not this easy going, or lets say there are still some strict laws and regulations when it comes to online content and technology usage. This software detects what content will be accessible or what content will be blocked. By September 2016, the calling feature on LINE was also blocked. The telecom regulator in Saudi Arabia has banned the use of the web-based communication application . Facetime: Facetime is a VoIP calling service by Apple, which has been blocked by the ISPs in Saudi Arabia. At least nine Pakistani pilgrims, including women and children, have died in a car accident in Saudi Arabia. Special thanks to our many sponsors and funders. CyberGhost's easy-to-use apps provide one-click access to comprehensive protection. Saudi Arabias internet freedom remains severely curtailed. Women, children among nine Pakistani pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia car crash. Your email address will not be published. 1. Your email address will not be published. The Chinese government has blocked WhatsApp, and essentially has a stranglehold on the internet services in the country. The others are okay, I guess. Moreover, they decided to remove the FaceTime software in order to sell iPhones in the Kingdom. SPL VPN is available in censorship-heavy countries such as China and Saudi Arabia. It includes al-Manar, a pro-Hezbollah and pro-Damascus broadcaster based in Beirut. Connect to an Indian server. Many countries have shut off WhatsApp due to the apps end-to-end encryption a feature that allows people to communicate without detection. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Separate tags with commas Remove term: #SaudiUpdate #Saudi Laws #Gulfupdate #SaudiUpdate #Saudi Laws #Gulfupdate, HOW TO EXTEND EXPIRED SAUDI VISA OUTSIDE SAUDI ARABIA, Etisalat Dubai Latest internet Packages 2023. However, the app has long-suffered from accusations of spying and gathering users private information on behalf of the Chinese government, leading to both temporary and permanent bans in countries around the world. x-rated website with semi nude content. Article 39 of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Basic Law of Governance states that: The media is prohibited from spreading any content that affects the religious values and bolsters its unity. It's a sensible policy for the government. Reporters Without Borders, a free press advocacy group, branded the actions of the government as relentless in its censorship of the Saudi media and the Internet in 2014. 14-Websites selling illegal items such as drugs, alcohol are also banned in Saudi Arabia. However, if an employee is involved in fraudulent activity and the employer reports it and the court issues an order against the expat employee, the MOI will blacklist the expat from entering back to Saudi Arabia. Users and local media report that other apps are still blocked. It won't be too hard to follow this law though, as generally only Halal foods are allowed to enter the country. Youre all aware that WhatsApp Calling helps you save money on international calls. LIST OF BLOCKED WEBSITES IN SAUDI ARABIA: CITC has the authority to ban the apps that falls in below mention list: This list is divided into several cataogries. Normally, people use the internet for online shopping, social media, health, entertainment, etc. Visal Vadayar is a passionate Digital marketing professional from Kochi, Kerala. From Saudi Arabia, a large number of people visited Google.com. Lip-syncing along with a track, using filters, and adding special effects give users the chance to create short clips that can be shared and downloaded in several social media platforms. Saudi Arabia is lifting a ban on voice and video calling apps such as Skype, in a move aimed at boosting productivity and economic growth. Techyxpert.com is a tech storytelling website and tech news aggregator for apps, websites, gadgets, AI, softwares, games and more. Your email address will not be published. March 31, 2013 8:19 p.m. PT. Well conclude by showing you exactly how to bypass such geo-restrictions. Earlier this month, the kingdom revealed that the ban would be lifted as part of its national reform plan. Diffuculties are part of our lives, and no change comes easily. This site is licensed as Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. Dating in Saudi Arabia is officially illegal (even though some young people do find their way around the restrictions). Key Takeaways: Only five countries in the world have banned WhatsApp in some capacity: China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE. Your advice appreciated. Many users were arrested in the country. Some users have learned to bypass the blocks by . Apps Banned in Saudi Arabia. Fortunately, VPNs can help you bypass such restrictions with ease. Then you wont be dissatisfied with the use of an Android VPN in Saudi. How to Access the Deep Web and the Dark Net, How to Securely Store Passwords in 2023: Best Secure Password Storage, How to Create a Strong Password in 2023: Secure Password Generator & 6 Tips for Strong Passwords, MP4 Repair: How to Fix Corrupted Video Files in 2019, List of Countries That Have a WhatsApp Ban, How to Unblock WhatsApp With VPN Services, unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar, Brazilian National Congress considering legislation, CyberGhost vs Surfshark in 2023: Two Budget VPN Services Face Off, Best Business VPN in 2023: Top Five Services for a Corporate Network, The Best Peacock VPN: Watch Peacock TV Anywhere. #QuoteOfDay ! A compromise for the sake of business growth! Its one-click connectivity is a notable feature! WhatsApp isnt banned in Brazil, though there have been several restrictions in the past. The military-grade encryption offered by SPL VPN makes sure that your data and online identity are safe! To emphasize, anyone found dealing in drugs in Saudi Arabia is liable for the death penalty. I have ideas for it, sure, but Id rather not take the risk. VoIP apps such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp are banned in the Kingdom Tech Desk September 14, 2017 Saudi men explore social media on their mobile devices as they sit at a cafe in Riyadh, Saudi . Yes the usage of VPN is legal in Saudi Arabia but the government has blocked the usage of voice-over-internet protocol applications and restricted usage of audio and video calls to make sure that it should compliant with national security at the same time the Government of the country has blocked the some popular VPN applications and proxy websites. Although WhatsApp is the world's most-used instant messaging app, a handful of countries have banned it. Rapid growth in internet and communications technologies (ICTs) has produced robust infrastructure and widespread access to the internet, with 33.6 million internet users in Saudi Arabia as of January 2021, 1 up from 28.9 million in 2019. If your application is accepted than the website will unblocked. Be sure to check our guide on how to unblock WhatsApp in China. Saudi Arabia is lifting a ban on voice and video calling apps such as Skype, in a move aimed at boosting productivity and economic growth. Products. This is a positive sign for Saudi Arabias corporate growth. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. First, UAE authorities fear that terrorists and extremist groups could take advantage of WhatsApps encryption. Saudi Arabian's supporting social media bans during a crisis to stop fake news 2019 Disagreement with social media ban due to platforms being news sources Australia 2019 Mai Alhumood, a government employee, said that she downloaded the app while she was bored and became quickly addicted to the platforms fun short videos. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is not officially prohibited. New mobile apps on the market can take advantage of the potential to reach a large user base. The app has also gained significant popularity in the Middle East with influencers such as Saudi model Roz, UAE-based content creators Khalid and Salama, and Saudi top TikToker iimeeto, who recently celebrated reaching four million followers on the platform. Think With Google MENA is a Google online resource that provides statistics, analysis, and insights on the digital world in the MENA. Mobile internet users make up 33.59 million people or 94% of the population. Have a look at the VoIP calling facilities! In this perilous digital world, you should be concerned about online privacy. Encrypted communications are banned in Saudi Arabia, though this is not often enforced.1 Authorities frequently attempt to identify and detain anonymous or pseudonymous users and writers who make critical or controversial remarks. There are a number of games that are banned in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Saudi Arabia, the Middle Easts second-largest country, entered the internet like a small fish. Saudi Arabias ban on using WhatsApp calls is a trap! Give the reason for unblocking the website. Any website which posts offensive information against Islam or the holy prophet Muhammad (SAW). BitOasis is a UAE-based exchange that serves customers across the Middle East and North Africa. The following countries forbid access to WhatsApp from within their borders: Its worth noting that the UAE only prohibits WhatsApp voice and video calls, but you can still send and receive text messages. The CITC has often been the subject of criticism from Saudis, who have accused it of advancing the business interests of telecom operators by blocking VoIP apps, instead of protecting users rights. In Saudi Arabia, any websites critical of the government or the monarchy are blocked. A partial lifting of the ban came into effect on 20 September, and users in Saudi Arabia are now able to make calls using apps such as Line, Snapchat, FaceTime, Skype, Telegram and Tango. The ministry claimed that the apps were a threat to the sovereignty and security of the country following a Himalayan border clash with Chinese troops in the disputed territory of Ladakh. 2 min read. Choose SPL VPN to enjoy easy access in your country! Theft! Aside from that, they do things like: Forcing ISPs to limit connections, Implementing vague regulations to enforce content censorship. Media speculated that the move may have been motivated by the Saudi government's attempt to monitor these applications and to protect local telecom operators from revenue losses, or both. However, the app was unblocked following various changes from TikTok such as the opening of a government liaison office and implementing security mechanisms. 2 In January 2021, the count of mobile subscribers was 39.5 million, equivalent to 112.7 percent of the . A partial lifting of the ban came into effect on 20 September, and users in Saudi Arabia are now able to make calls using apps such as Line, Snapchat, FaceTime, Skype, Telegram and Tango. We have a guide on how to unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar and other countries. Trump also weighed in on a potential TikTok ban. You can experience the difference with us! Just make sure that you are cautious about meeting up with strangers since you are technically breaking the law. Make it possible with the SPL VPN in Saudi! News websites critical of the Saudi government are also banned. Nearly 500 people arrived Monday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia aboard two vessels, one a US ship and the other Saudi, after fleeing the fighting in Sudan. But social media sites and other websites are blocked. The Saudi Arabian government has cited security concerns as the reason for the ban, as these apps use encryption technology that makes it difficult for authorities to monitor and control communication. Saudi Arabia blocks websites that challenge the government or monarchy. Your location is not a barrier to your digital happiness. In conclusion, political media, sensitive social content, P2P torrents, pornography and pages related to illegal things are all restricted in Saudi Arabia. Calls to apps that do not comply with the countrys laws and regulations have been blocked in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi minister said, adding that keeping users data confidential has emerged as a global challenge. As a result of this, the authorities can check blogs, websites, social media, chat rooms, emails, and text messages. 3. With VPNs, people can access any content on the internet in Saudi Arabia.87.40% of people are using WhatsApp. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, interest in the app skyrocketed as many users downloaded TikTok to watch videos and try to recreate them while in quarantine. This blog will help you find it. The Saudi government is working to increase high-speed internet access across the country, but the kingdoms restrictive absolute monarchy controls the kind of content that may be found online. Theyre ruling the market! The list is endless as the government has strict rules on what to be shown on the internet and what not. Many people in Saudi Arabia, both citizens, and visitors, use VPNs every day to access censored or region-locked content. On Twitter, CITC spokesmanAdelAbu Hameed said that the ban was lifted on applications that have met regulatory requirements in the country. Delivers excellent speeds and reaches a high security . In Saudi Arabia, VPNs are used by individuals and businesses alike to secure their internet connections, unblock websites and apps, and access content that may be restricted in certain areas. Saudi Arabia and its neighboring allies issued a list of demands to Qatar, including the shutting down of Al Jazeera. No. See our Privacy Policy for details. In this article, [], USE OF VPN IN DUBAI: Before reading about the use of VPN you should know what is VPN and its advantage and disadvantages. Saudi bans 47 video games including Grand Theft Auto V, Assassins Creed 2. It's reported that many games can still be found in Saudi Arabia through, as there is a lack of enforcement for these bans.