Saudi Arabia to implement social media licensing today

Logo of the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM)

A decision by the General Commission for Audiovisual Media (GCAM) on licensing social media advertisers and influencers will come into effect today, Oct. 1.

GCAM has recently set a deadline for social media advertisers and influencers to apply for license no later than Sept. 30.

The advertisers and influencers should adhere to GCAM’s terms and conditions (T&Cs) on producing social media content, as well as the T&Cs on content, ads, classifications (including age classification) and relevant instructions.

They should pledge to provide any data, information or reports requested by the commission, as well as to stop advertising any content immediately and without objection upon the authority's request.

Moreover, they should undertake not to make any ad except through an account registered with the GCAM and linked to the license granted to the licensee.

As for non-Saudis, they should pledge not to engage in this activity except after obtaining the necessary licenses and approvals from the commission and relevant authorities.