Saudi government officials have requested YouTube management to remove content that contradicts values and principles. This request came along with a joint statement released Saturday by the Audiovisual Media General Authority and the Communications and Information Technologies Commission.
Arabia warns YouTube about ads
The two officials stated that various digital content platforms in Saudi Arabia are being investigated for their adherence to applicable rules and regulations. One of these platforms is YouTube. As it is known, all kinds of content and advertisements can take place on YouTube. The Arabian authorities aim to prevent this.
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The officials, who demanded that the YouTube platform remove inappropriate ads and comply with the regulations, included the following statements in the statement:
As a result of the follow-up, it was noticed that the YouTube platform, in violation of the UK media content controls and the policy of the YouTube platform, was showing ads for its users within the Kingdom, posting and violating Islamic and social values and principles.
Authorities stated that controls on the platforms will continue. It is stated that if unwanted content continues to be shown after the controls, necessary legal measures will be taken in accordance with the communication and audio-visual media systems. Among these measures is the introduction of a YouTube ban.
Saudi activists have also started to make various statements on this issue. Some are urging the authorities to delete the ads on YouTube that they describe as “disastrous”. Describing himself as “an academic interested in technology and e-commerce” Fahad Al-Baqami is one of these people.
Al-Baqami, who has more than 1 million followers on Twitter, made the following statements in his post:
“Saudis are among the most YouTube users in the world. It’s pretty easy for us to pressure YouTube to filter out promoted ads and respect us. Unfortunately, their ads are pornographic and to the point of dread. I’m embarrassed to look at these ads. If such advertisements were broadcast on a television channel, they would be punished. I hope the company will take the matter seriously.
It seems that Arabia can work on the YouTube ban after following the developments. After these explanations, it is a matter of curiosity how YouTube will follow. So what do you think about this subject? You can share your views with us in the comments section.