Guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in Saudi media
In a strategic move aimed at safeguarding media credibility, the Saudi Ministry of Media announced the launch of a document regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the media sector. This document, prepared in collaboration with the General Authority for Media Regulation, the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, the Saudi Media Forum, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), establishes a comprehensive national framework to regulate the responsible use of modern technologies and ensure the enhancement of trust in digital content.
The importance of establishing controls for the use of artificial intelligence in light of digital transformation
The world has witnessed a massive surge in automated news generation technologies in recent years, creating unprecedented challenges related to news credibility and the difficulty of distinguishing between real and fake content. In light of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which adopts digital transformation as a cornerstone of development, it was imperative to anticipate these challenges with decisive legislation. Establishing regulations for the use of artificial intelligence is a natural response to protect the Saudi media landscape from information chaos and underscores the Kingdom's commitment to harnessing technology to serve humanity without compromising ethical and societal values.
8 basic principles for ensuring content transparency
The document is based on eight key principles, foremost among them transparency and disclosure, which requires content creators and platforms to clearly disclose any material that has been automatically produced or modified, using watermarks or direct attribution. The principle of credibility and information integrity is also prominent, categorically prohibiting the use of these technologies to produce misleading or incomplete content. The principles extend to integrity and impartiality, prohibiting the use of algorithms in ways that lead to discrimination, bullying, or the undermining of social cohesion.
Banning deepfakes and protecting privacy
One of the most significant aspects of the new legislation is the strong warning against the dangers of deepfakes. The document prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to mimic individuals' identities, voices, or images without explicit consent and legal justification. Public figures and children have been granted enhanced protection against any exploitation or abuse that could threaten their public reputation or create security and political crises.
The expected impact of the new legislation locally and regionally
The importance of this document extends beyond Saudi Arabia, serving as a regional model to be emulated in the Middle East. Domestically, these regulations will contribute to enhancing the efficiency of media performance and accelerating production in a safe and responsible manner, while protecting the public from misinformation. Regionally and internationally, Saudi Arabia's establishment of these rules positions it among the leading nations keeping pace with global efforts to regulate artificial intelligence, thus strengthening the position of Saudi media as a reliable and secure source of information on the international stage.
Accountability and compliance mechanisms
To ensure effective implementation, the document mandates that all media outlets and digital platforms, including cross-border platforms, conduct a prior social and ethical impact assessment before using these technologies. The Ministry emphasized that the use of technology does not exempt any entity from legal accountability. Clear mechanisms have been established for reporting and immediately addressing violations by restricting access to or removing offending content, based on the Anti-Cybercrime Law and the Personal Data Protection Law, to guarantee an advanced and sustainable media environment.
