Saudi Arabia's state media regulator has imposed a total fine of SR300,000 on six expatriates for engaging in commercial advertising without the required licenses. The General Authority of Media Regulation stated that it had summoned the six male and female expats for violating the kingdom's media rules. The regulatory body also noted that it had previously issued a circular prohibiting expatriates from advertising on social media without proper licenses.

Expats Penalized for Unlicensed Advertising Activities

These actions reflect Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enforce its strict regulations on media and advertising practices. Engaging in unauthorized advertising has become a significant violation, especially among expatriates who use social media platforms for commercial purposes without proper documentation.

Media Authority's Regulatory Actions

In recent months, Saudi authorities have intensified their efforts to clamp down on cyber offenses, ranging from inappropriate advertisements to personal posts that violate the cultural and ethical standards of the kingdom. The regulator has also stated that expatriates who are found violating labor laws or engaging in unlicensed activities are subject to severe penalties.

Previous Crackdowns on Social Media Offenses

Last August, the regulatory body imposed SR400,000 in fines and suspended the licenses of four social media celebrities. These influencers were found guilty of sharing offensive content. The punitive measures included the suspension of their "Muwthak" licenses, which are necessary for celebrities who wish to engage in commercial advertising on their social media accounts.

Celebrities Targeted for Offending Content

One notable incident occurred last December when the regulator fined a well-known online celebrity SR100,000 and revoked her license. This individual had posted content on social media that was considered harmful to family values. Reports suggested that the influencer, Asma Al Sayari, had shared advice targeting men's behavior during their first dates with their fiancées, which sparked controversy.