When you travel somewhere, it’s important to understand the laws of that country, since they can impact tourists and locals alike. We’re seeing Saudi Arabia invest an unprecedented amount of money in tourism at the moment. It remains to be seen what comes of that, but it sure is a fascinating experiment.
Along those lines, I think it’s interesting to note that while the country is liberalizing in some ways, we’ve just seen some strict new social media rules implemented, which travelers should be aware of…
In this post:
Saudi Arabia cracks down on flashy social media
Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Media Regulation has just published new rules governing social media content, which impact everyone in the country, from citizens, to expats, to visitors. As they’re described, these new regulations are intended to respect public values, protect privacy, and reflect national identity.
These new guidelines create the following boundaries for what can be posted online through social media:
- Wealth and money, including things like luxury cars and lavish lifestyles, can’t be flaunted
- Modest attire rules must be followed, in line with social values; this includes not exposing any part of the body from shoulders to legs, and avoiding tight attire that accentuates the body, or sheer fabrics considered contrary to public decency
- There can be no vulgar or offensive language in any content, so it must maintain civility and respect
- No overly personal situations can be depicted, like fights within a family
- Children and domestic workers can only appear in content if they consent to it
- No tribal or sectarian content that divides or harms social harmony is allowed
Penalties for non-compliance for these new rules include fines, content removal, account suspension, or even legal action, depending on severity (one wonders how a country can remove content and suspend accounts, but I digress). As you can see, this isn’t a situation where Saudi Arabia is threatening to throw people in jail for one simple infraction (though it’s open ended, so…).
Enforcement of these rules will get interesting
Broadly speaking, I think it’s fair for regulators around the world to put more thought into how social media is used, as it becomes an increasingly big part of our lives. I certainly don’t have all the answers, but it just seems like we’re barreling toward a world where we think what we see online is real (even if it isn’t), and it shapes our view in a strange way.
Saudi Arabia has a large, young, and very online population, so I’m not surprised to see the country introducing some regulations. Some of these policies seem quite thoughtful. For example, I’m all for banning posting videos or pictures of kids and workers without their consent.
However, other restrictions are a little more questionable, especially given that Saudi Arabia is currently making a massive push for luxury tourism. You can’t flaunt luxury lifestyles? Where exactly is the line on that drawn? Can I post a video of my hotel suite? What if I only got the suite thanks to a complimentary elite upgrade (meaning I’m not showing off wealth)? What about if I’m flying first class?
Meanwhile I find the new more modest attire policies for social media to be noteworthy, given all the new Red Sea beach resorts being opened. I just had a look at the geotags from a few resorts that are open there, and ummm, there’s a lot of body flaunting going on (very small bikinis, all that kind of stuff).
I’m curious to what extent these regulations will actually be enforced among foreigners. I would imagine that many foreigners don’t even know these rules, so will resorts warn guests of these rules, or…?
Bottom line
Saudi Arabia has unveiled strict new social media rules, intended to respect public values, protect privacy, and reflect national identity. What makes this most interesting is that it comes at a time when Saudi Arabia has otherwise liberalized, and is making a big push for foreign tourists.
Some of the new restrictions seem totally sensible, like not recording children or domestic workers without their consent. Meanwhile I’m a little more skeptical of the practical implications of banning the flaunting of wealth, along with more “revealing” clothing, especially with the current Red Sea resorts that are opening.
What do you make of these new social media rules, and how do you see this playing out?
Articles like this show how non-international some of your ideas or conclusions tend to be. We don't know the details. Such as there is a difference between showing some legs like if wearing shorts and upper legs. It is also all depending on enforcement. Just because they set off these rules does not mean all of them will be enforced. I agree with the other comments about how it looks to the public and the perception of the country.
Maybe they are being quick to notice what happened in Nepal with the Nepo kids revolution! Saudi has a large population and many of the population are poor and without a voice. Seeing rich kids from the ruling class/family/tribes flaunting their lifestyle and riches on social media could create a 'spark'.
I'm with KSA here. Just look at what influencers do in Dubai. Barely-dressed Russian woman on the beach with a rented handbag and sportscar. If anybody here has bumped into a Russian in Dubai, I'm sure you don't think highly of the experience. One once shoved my (not white) former partner out of the way when she was walking. Gross. Glad that civilizations days are numbered.
I follow another category of person this law seems...
I'm with KSA here. Just look at what influencers do in Dubai. Barely-dressed Russian woman on the beach with a rented handbag and sportscar. If anybody here has bumped into a Russian in Dubai, I'm sure you don't think highly of the experience. One once shoved my (not white) former partner out of the way when she was walking. Gross. Glad that civilizations days are numbered.
I follow another category of person this law seems targeted at on Instagram. She burnt through her inheritance and despite her followers being mostly a purchased thing, she seems to be hard at work at keeping up appearances and not finding an actual job to pay her bills.
The "showing off luxury" rule is more about maintaining civility and humbleness among the general population, which is the culture in the region. As Saudi Arabia opens up more, younger people may be more likely to show off their wealth (expensive cars, huge mansions, etc.) because that is what they see on the internet. Just look at Dubai and many content creators focus there. However, that goes against the culture and wisdom in the region....
The "showing off luxury" rule is more about maintaining civility and humbleness among the general population, which is the culture in the region. As Saudi Arabia opens up more, younger people may be more likely to show off their wealth (expensive cars, huge mansions, etc.) because that is what they see on the internet. Just look at Dubai and many content creators focus there. However, that goes against the culture and wisdom in the region. This rule is aimed at helping to suppress that, and I assume the people making this rule saw what happened in Dubai, and they are trying to prevent that from happening in the Kingdom to appease more people in the country.
Honestly, I see the merit and intent behind it, and I support that. However, I also have some questions regarding the enforcement of it. My guess would be that it won't be super strict (to the point that anything that can be argued as breaking that rule will be prosecuted), but that's just my guess, which is as good as anyone else's. Maybe this announcement is just a show to appease some locals, and won't end up being enforced. I guess we'll find out.
So … is Riyadh Air in violation of this law since it’s showing off luxury, wealth, and “glamor in the sky" etc.?
My guess is that this is a law that targets citizens more than visitors (though don't be surprised if they are randomly held to that standard too). There will be a need to show the more conservative parts of Saudi society that the reforms that are being pushed through aren't "corrupting" society, an image that is easier to maintain if any acts these people would be offended by are kept separate from them.
This...
My guess is that this is a law that targets citizens more than visitors (though don't be surprised if they are randomly held to that standard too). There will be a need to show the more conservative parts of Saudi society that the reforms that are being pushed through aren't "corrupting" society, an image that is easier to maintain if any acts these people would be offended by are kept separate from them.
This same divide is probably a significant reason for Riyadh air with more religious Saudi citizens having Saudia as the less drunk alternative.
Saudi Arabia?
Ughhhhh…..spent five days there on business.
Even the richest don’t seem to understand the requirements of taking showers & using deodorants. Just more & more cologne or perfumes. And some of the heaviest drinkers & smokers that I’ve ever been around. Yes, even in the Middle East wealth has its privileges.
No thanks. Never again.
Domestic public opinion requires that MBS balance reforms, liberalization and economic development against the very large population (especially older) demanding piety and religious observance. From time to time, he has to "throw some red meat to the base". It's the same in any country. I would behave differently in Jeddah, compared to how I'd behave at Toronto Pride. But I think the main purpose of this announcement was the announcement. Domestic consumption.
“I would behave differently in Jeddah, compared to how I’d behave at Toronto pride”
I guess you’ve never been to Balad Beast (a.k.a Jeddah pride).
Excellent guess.
By capitulating to the homophobic Saudi regime, you’re a traitor to your oft-flaunted sexuality.
“No tribal or sectarian content that divides or harms social harmony is allowed“
I used to be a free speech absolutist but now I am starting to suspect that America would benefit from such a law
I don't like or even have social media as it can ruin your health. I have nothing to flaunt, and I don't need an algorithm to tell me what or how to feel every few seconds and/or whose business I should care about, so I can do without. Dating apps alone are already depressing.
You sound perfectly adjusted.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Please don't do any of the things we've made ourselves know for by us doing them as they're not considered proper behaviour. By you that is. Also just ignore the several tons of gold adorning our 6th version of world's tallest hotel/ Armani Couture outlet where the staff are kitted out in ensembles covering a maximum of 18.27% of their bodies. If it becomes too distracting please advise...
Welcome to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Please don't do any of the things we've made ourselves know for by us doing them as they're not considered proper behaviour. By you that is. Also just ignore the several tons of gold adorning our 6th version of world's tallest hotel/ Armani Couture outlet where the staff are kitted out in ensembles covering a maximum of 18.27% of their bodies. If it becomes too distracting please advise guest services who'll be happy to arrange a Lamborghini or Veyron to take you to one of our countries many 'Poor People Not Allowed Malls' where you can buy some of the most overpriced designer goods and clothing as long as you pass a credit score at the entrance.
Good. A couple of influencer w—rs were arrested in Asia recently. The Russian one in the Philippines was vile and disrespectful.
Can we pass a similar law in Miami? Traffic would disappear overnight. Rents would normalize. Restaurants would become a place to eat again instead of an expensive instagram club with bad food.