JEDDAH — Acting Minister of Media Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi announced that the ministry decided to issue license for individuals to publish advertisement content through social media platforms. "This move would contribute to regulate the advertising sector and digital content in the Kingdom," he said. The General Commission for Audiovisual Media confirmed that a documented license is mandatory to engage in advertising activity through the social media platforms for individuals. It called on those who wish to obtain a license to apply for it through the I'lam platform. One license costs SR15000 ($4,000) for a period of three years, Asharq Al-Awsat reported. The license will be issued if certain terms and conditions are fulfilled. These include adhering to the instructions issued by the commission; undertaking a pledge to provide any data or information or reports sought by the commission; stop advertising any media content immediately and without objection when the commission issued a directive in this regard; and not to display any advertisement except through the account registered with the commission and linked to the license granted to the licensee. The non-Saudi licensee shall give an undertaking not to engage in the activity until after obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals. The Saudi citizens, who are holders of the license, can practice the activity through the social media within the Kingdom and outside the Kingdom. However, citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states can obtain commercial registration and advertising licenses, while foreigners other than GCC citizens must obtain an individual license by contracting with a licensed local advertising agency or by obtaining an investment license in accordance with the rules and regulations. It also allows the registration of accounts with nicknames. Foreign advertising agencies have the right to deal with a licensed individual in the Kingdom in accordance with the rules and regulations. For this, he must obtain a license before engaging in any contractual relationship. He can advertise specialized products or services such as drugs, treatment, and the like with a condition that he must comply with the provisions of Article 5 of the Audiovisual Media Law and media content controls.
