Reporting Fake News
Government Efforts to Combat Fake News
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia classifies the dissemination of fake news as a cybercrime under its Anti-Cybercrime Law, categorizing it as one of the "major offenses warranting detention." Strict penalties are imposed on individuals found guilty of spreading rumors or misleading the public, especially when such acts threaten national security or destabilize society. Additionally, media outlets and social media platforms are required to take proactive measures to detect, report, and remove fake news when necessary. Government entities, including the Digital Government Authority, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Cybersecurity Authority, and the Ministry of Interior, collaborate to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to prevent the spread of fake news. For more information, visit the National Platform website.
The Kingdom also employs advanced artificial intelligence tools for early detection and prevention of fake news. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia aligns with global efforts to enact modern legislation aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation.
Reporting Fake News
The system allows individuals or organizations to report fake news through two main methods:
Reporting Sector-Specific News
When fake news pertains to specific sectors such as health, education, or transportation, individuals can report it directly to the responsible authorities using their designated reporting channels.Reporting Threats to National Security
If the fake news poses a risk to the stability and security of the state or its citizens, it must be reported immediately to the Ministry of Interior or the National Cybersecurity Authority.
