1- PORNOGRAPHIC CONTENT: Saudi Arabia has banned over 60,000 porn websites x-rated website with semi nude content. Cookie Notice Thats what many of them, Read More Top 20 Tips to Protect Your Privacy Online in 2023Continue, Are you looking to browse safely and with the best privacy browser for Android browsers at blazing speeds? Millennials in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) spend more than three hours a day watching internet videos, far outnumbering time spent on messaging apps and games. If it was denied, Apple would have faced the consequences. 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. VoIP services, which include voice and video calls made over the internet, were banned in Saudi Arabia in 2013. Fortunately, VPNs can help you bypass such restrictions with ease. Websites of organization that promote terrorism and include terrorist group. As of midnight Thursday, residents of Saudi Arabia could legally begin using internet calling services such as Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. The people of Saudi Arabia and the ex-pats living in the country are using Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and proxy addresses and websites to unblock the internet restrictions in the country. Since then, the government has partially or fully blocked several more applications including WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger and FaceTime. . Disney+ works on most smart TVs and connected devices such as Android TV (OS 7.0 and above), Apple TV (Gen 4 and above), Chromecast (Gen 2 with Firmware version 1.43+), LG TV (WebOS 4.0 and above), and Fire TV. Website promoting LGBT culture and rights. The VPN server then accesses the content on your behalf and sends it to you across the secure tunnel. Here are a few of the most important things banned in Saudi Arabia that you should definitely be aware of before arrival: 1. 2 In January 2021, the count of mobile subscribers was 39.5 million, equivalent to 112.7 percent of the . VPN: Virtual Private Network (VPN), an application which hides or change the web address location of your mobile or computer device for adding additional security to your data access. WhatsApp for ringing works and doesnt work in which countries. Also, Saudi Arabia has banned just about every online chat, voice, and video messaging service imaginable. Saudi Arabia and its neighboring allies issued a list of demands to Qatar, including the shutting down of Al Jazeera. The remaining 0.18% of people are going to other devices. 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. However, if you are a Saudi or a residente then you know that it is an app not available in your country. We have a guide on how to unblock WhatsApp and VoIP services in Qatar and other countries. 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. 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 2014, the free press advocacy group, Reporters Without Borders, described the actions of the government of Saudi Arabia as "relentless in its censorship of the Saudi media and the Internet." Since that time, the Saudi government has taken major steps towards increasing civil rights within the kingdom, reducing restrictive male guardianship laws, and giving women the right to drive. Many people are already trapped in cybercrime. Rules and laws on drugs and alcohol in Saudi Arabia | Expatica Key Takeaways: Only five countries in the world have banned WhatsApp in some capacity: China, North Korea, Syria, Qatar and the UAE. Authorities frequently block websites that disseminate violent extremist information as well as pornography, gambling, narcotics, and websites that share copyrighted materials. This year there is an increase of 1.7 million users and 20 minutes of daily usage time compared to 2021. 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, Saudi Arabia has banned over 60,000 porn websites. Although the government of Saudi Arabia blocks access to many VPN providers' websites and servers, using a VPN is not illegal in the country. Women, children among nine Pakistani pilgrims killed in Saudi Arabia car crash. It includes al-Manar, a pro-Hezbollah and pro-Damascus broadcaster based in Beirut. Many countries have shut off WhatsApp due to the apps end-to-end encryption a feature that allows people to communicate without detection. Although the above categories websites are banned and calling apps are also banned because of sharing sensitive personal data. #QuoteOfDay ! According to reports from Hoot Suite and We are Social, Saudis are the largest group of active users on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat in the region. One of the safest ways to meet people in Saudi Arabia is online. 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Which apps are not allowed in Saudi Arabia? Well, the Play Store is ready with numerous browser options. He said that banning the app would be punishing China for its response to the coronavirus.. I have tried a lot but could not find an online way to check if you are . Just make sure that you are cautious about meeting up with strangers since you are technically breaking the law. It also offers unlimited bandwidth. Which Video Calling App Should Android Users in Saudi Arabia Use The Saudi government strictly regulates and restricts the media under official state law. Countries that have extended online censorship to block WhatsApp and other social media apps during protests include Brazil, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela. If you use local telecom providers, you will lose a lot of money. News websites that go against the Saudi government. Countries Where WhatsApp Is Banned & How to Get Around the Ban in 2023. Some of these countries, like China and North Korea, also ban the use of VPNs. 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. Reporting and depicting radical Islam and criticizing high points are restricted in the country. They ask people to make silent on political opposition and restrict access to software that aids protesters coordinate! The majority of people in the country are using Chrome, and it is very popular all over the world. The total mobile connections in Saudi Arabia are 41.03 million. Future Encrypt Pvt. 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. All internet-related businesses have been rapidly expanding. Like many other Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, WhatsApps video and voice calls are banned in Dubai for two main reasons. You can get around a WhatsApp ban by using a VPN to spoof your location to another country. Choose SPL VPN to enjoy easy access in your country! Such measures, he added, are for benefit of users and the public. Subscribe to SPL VPN for free today! The ministry of communications said access to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) would be "widely available to users" from Wednesday. 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. @SAIPKSA aims to block 231 websites that violate regulations and rights. Read More: Why Numbers Banned from Using WhatsApp, In 2013 Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia banned the usage of telegram as it may cause and affect national security. 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. Hit the install button and it should download quickly. Television in Saudi Arabia was introduced in 1965, but is now dominated by just five major companies: Middle East Broadcasting Center, SM Enterprise TV, Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation, Rotana and Saudi TV. On social media, its 3 hours and 24 minutes. In fact, Google rules the heart of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is one of the most prominent Islamic countries in the Middle East called as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Countries Where WhatsApp Is Banned [Get Around the Ban 2023 ] - Cloudwards Even with the huge popularity of both, they are both banned in Saudi Arabia. With VPNs, people can access any content on the internet in Saudi Arabia.87.40% of people are using WhatsApp. Privacy Policy. While Saudi Arabia has yet to announce a ban of any kind of TikTok, local users and followers are trying to practice caution while using the app anyway. Your email address will not be published. Saudi Arabia is threatening to block several popular Internet chat, call, and messaging services if they don't get in line with the country's regulatory . The countrys bitter fact is its score on global freedom! Which video call is allowed in Saudi Arabia? The Daily VPN we dene to include both mobile apps and website access, in Saudi Arabia over a period of three years. In addition, all nudity, pornography, gambling sites and casinos, sites that discuss alcohol and drugs, and sites that are considered blasphemous against the prophet Muhammad and Islam are banned. Public displays of affection are not allowed and can have serious consequences. Provides unbeatable security features and keeps no logs. In January 2016, the CITC required mobile service providers to register the fingerprints of new SIM card subscribers. Dating apps like OkCupid, Match.com, Tinder, Bumble, and WhoseHere work in the Kingdom and offer various options and levels of success. Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN for Saudi Arabia. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 Techyxpert.Com All Rights Reserved. Spoiler - VPNs are not only legal in KSA, but necessary for guaranteeing your right to privacy online. In fact, those found guilty can expect lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, public floggings, and possibly deportation. In this guide, well list the countries that have outlawed WhatsApp and their reasons. Normally, people use the internet for online shopping, social media, health, entertainment, etc. Saudi Arabia, the Middle Easts second-largest country, entered the internet like a small fish. Rania Mohammed, a fourth year medical student at Dar AlUloom University in Riyadh, said that TikTok was the only thing keeping her sane as she struggled with the pressures of school and quarantine. I recommend ExpressVPN's superfast India servers for uninterrupted HD streams on Disney+ Hotstar. 16-VPN websites and applications that allow users to access banned content through a proxy server. But, such communications will be censored and monitored. Saudi Arabia threatens to ban Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber Since launching in 2009, WhatsApp has become the worlds most popular instant messaging application, boasting over 2 billion users and counting. Saudi Arabia has suspended Whatsapp's voice and video call services as the app failed to meet the regulatory requirements, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported, citing Abdulaziz Al-Ruwais governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). The Chinese government has blocked WhatsApp, and essentially has a stranglehold on the internet services in the country. Subscribe to comments on this post via email. The biggest point is that 98% of the population are active internet users. Top Google Play apps in Saudi Arabia | Communication | Top Paid; Top Google Play apps in Saudi Arabia | Communication | Top Free; Follow us on . FIFA World Cup Streaming Blocked In Saudi Arabia: Report Find out the countries where WhatsApp is banned, their reasons for doing so and how you can still use the app in such jurisdictions. CyberGhost's easy-to-use apps provide one-click access to comprehensive protection. 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. Read our guide to learn how to get around the WhatsApp ban in Dubai. 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. Here are a few of the most important things banned in Saudi Arabia that you should definitely be aware of before arrival: 1. No. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is not officially prohibited. I dont even have a username or a registered account, and thats one of the better things about TikTok. Saudi Arabia has suspended Whatsapp's voice and video call services as the app failed to meet the regulatory requirements, Al-Riyadh newspaper reported, citing Abdulaziz Al-Ruwais governor of the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC). Some of the major mobile apps that are banned in Saudi Arabia are: Read More: How to Unblock WhatsApp Calling in the UAE. If you use Facebook or Twitter, its not much different than using TikTok, he said. $99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter. Facebook and Twitter have been banned in Iran since 2009 amid disputed elections and mass protests, limiting public government opposition. Here are the steps to Unblock WhatsApp Calling in Saudi Arabia. Our focus is on quality & worldwide accessibility. If you want to use the app, you are going to have to find a way to get around the ban. From Feb. 8, users of the . This should yield faster and more reliable connections. The authorities employ significant censorship and monitoring technologies, as well as a supportive network of bots and accounts that distribute pro-government messages and target perceived dissenters. In this perilous digital world, you should be concerned about online privacy. 22 Followers. Pinngle is a secure messenger app with free messaging, voice calls, video chat, & public channels. Avoid spending time with people of the opposite sex in public. Terms and Conditions With its zero-logging policy, SPL VPN protects your surfing activities and bypasses your ISPs throttling. Here we are discussing Internet censorship and Internet restriction in Saudi Arabia (KSA). We are travelling through a treacherous virtual time. WhatsApp privacy changes could turn off Saudi users: Cybersecurity KSA the kingdome of Saudi Arabia is a holy place as well as a business hub for the people from all over the world.To enter Saudi kingdome you need an entry permit known as visa. A single click to connect to the server location where the VoIP services are not blocked. Blocking and filtering content is the primary method used for internet censorship in Saudi Arabia. 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. This were all about the blocked or banned websites in Saudi Arabia to demote self abuse !! He has touched down in Syria for more than 3 weeks and we were still communicating though WhatsApp. Banned: 10 popular social networks and websites that are (or were Is video call allowed in Riyadh? Consumption of Pork All Muslims, under Islamic law, are not allowed to eat pork. Same like blocking you can also unblock a website if you think it is not in the above categories by following step: Enter the URL of the website to be unlocked. Resources. Indonesia temporarily blocked TikTok in July 2018, citing public concern regarding illegal content such as pornography and blasphemy. The government of KSA had imposed some internet restrictions intended to prevent content that is offensive to Islamic religious values and Saudi Arabian Culture . Although Saudi Arabia doesn't ban social media sites, it blocks VoIP apps that are integrated with social media services. Recently, the US became the third country to seriously consider banning the app, according to information from President Donald Trumps administration. Be sure to check our guide on how to unblock WhatsApp in China. Which apps are not allowed in Saudi Arabia? The Daily VPN Saudi Arabia - Prohibited and Restricted Imports The CITCexplained in a statement this week that easing these restrictions comes in line with modern trends, reasoning that reliance on the revenues of (mobile) data and added services is the international trend that operators in the kingdom should follow.. A VPN is well-known for its power to secure ones online privacy. Thats the only way we can improve. Under the rules and regulations of the government of Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to wear any such clothes or even makeup that can intentionally/unintentionally show off their beauty.