Saudi Arabia May Block Skype, Viber, WhatsApp, Others
(CNN) — Saudi Arabia may block access to popular Internet messaging applications like Skype, Viber and WhatsApp if telecommunication providers there don’t comply with rules and regulatory conditions, according to the country’s official news agency, SPA.
A statement from Saudi Arabia’s Communications and Information Technology Commission released via SPA read, “The Commission emphasizes that it will take appropriate action regarding these applications and services in the event of failure to meet those conditions.”
The statement did not address how the applications in question — which allow Internet users to communicate with each other via text messages and voice calls — were violating any rules, but it did highlight the need for service providers in the country to quickly “work with the developers of these applications to meet regulatory requirements.” […]
“The sense that I get is weariness,” said Eman Al-Nafjan, one of Saudi Arabia’s most prominent bloggers, while describing the online reaction she’s encountered so far. “A shrugging shoulders — as if it’s typical.” […]
“I believe a big part of the reason why this is happening … is because lots of demonstrations that were organized in Saudi Arabia were done through the use of WhatsApp,” explained Al-Nafjan, citing recent small-scale demonstrations calling for the release of political prisoners.
In Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy, protests are prohibited. Sixty percent of the country’s population is under the age of 30 and Internet usage there is soaring. […]
Related:
Saudi Arabia may try to end anonymity for Twitter users - paper Reuters
H/T Eman Al Nafjan @Saudiwoman. A few of her other recent tweets on (lack of) free speech the Middle East:
Imagine you lived in a country where Jon Stewart wld be under trial for being himself; that’s what Egypt has come to. huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2013…
— Eman Al Nafjan(@Saudiwoman) March 30, 2013
For what it’s worth, The New York Times says the satirist, Bassem Youssef, was released on bail Sunday after several hours of questioning. Meanwhile, in Kuwait:
Kuwait activist jailed in widening crackdown on Twitter posts that allegedly insulted prince washingtonpost.com/world/middle_e…
— Eman Al Nafjan(@Saudiwoman) March 31, 2013
literal translation of offense Kuwaiti tweep is spending 2 years in prison for: “faulting the princely presence” ????? ?????? ???????? #PT
— Eman Al Nafjan(@Saudiwoman) March 31, 2013
It really does feel like year 1434 in the Middle East. #PT
— Eman Al Nafjan(@Saudiwoman) March 31, 2013
Heh, I believe that last one was a pun—the current year according to the Islamic calendar is 1434 AH, but she’s saying it feels like 1434 AD.