Using VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to access blocked websites or apps is a big legal issue here. Despite its popularity for bypassing restrictions and gain 100% anonymity on internet, the consequences of discovering the presence of a VPN on your mobile device can be severe.
The authorities have warned people that using a VPN is illegal and will lead to prosecution. If the police or other authorities find the VPN on the phone, the owners or users of the phone will soon be facing legal action.
What is the fine for using a VPN in Saudi Arabia?
According to Al Arabiya channel, Hizam bin Saud Al-Subaie, a cybercrime expert, said that Article 3 of the cybercrime law makes it illegal to enter systems to spy, eavesdrop, cause damage, or do other illegal things. Of course, he also pointed out that some VPN apps harm users information and privacy.
Lawyer and legal assistant Hamoud Al-Najem said that breaking into the VPN system without permission is a very serious information crime that is punishable by the system, as stated in Article Three, Third Paragraph, of the Information Crimes Law.
He pointed out that this article mentioned that “whoever accesses these electronic means illegally shall be punished by imprisonment for one year or a fine of 500,000 riyals, or by one of these two penalties.” This is about protecting public rights, he said.
He talked about the private right and how it is based on how much harm was done to the person whose data was accessed and how illegally software was used. This person then goes to court to demand compensation.
He also said that the punishment is harsher if the crime involves ter*orist groups, if these programs are used for national security purposes, or even if this information is leaked to hostile parties. He said, “The more serious and comprehensive the act is and the more extensive and widespread the damage, the greater the punishment.”
Is Using A VPN Safe in Saudi Arabia?
Abdullah Al-Sabaa, a technical expert, said that this software is very dangerous for its users because it puts their data at risk and could install harmful programs on their devices. He also said that people shouldn’t use it to stay out of trouble with the law.
In the past few hours, a lot of Saudis have used the hashtag #BeCareful to talk about how they should avoid using these programs that leave their users open to having their personal information stolen. They also stressed how important it is to keep all of their personal information safe and not share any of their secrets with anyone until Don’t take advantage of their information.
Saudi Arabia VPN Usage: Risks, Penalties, and Cybersecurity Measures
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CITC) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia finds and blocks websites and applications that violate the country’s laws, customs, and religious and social morals. These websites and apps also pose a threat to national security.
In Saudi Arabia, you cannot use WhatsApp to make voice or video calls. To overcome this problem, many people, including expats, use the video calling feature by downloading VPNs from the Play Store and Apple App Store. Most people install VPNs on their phones because it is convenient that they can access blocked websites and apps through them. However, they do so without fully understanding the legal issues and consequences.
It is also important to keep in mind that the police can easily find it during a search, even if it is installed and hidden in the phone. Article 3 of the Saudi Anti-Cybercrime Law imposed a fine of 500,000 riyals if it is found that a prohibited website has been opened during the inspection.
In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, about 60,000 websites were blocked. This includes sites showing semi-nudity, sites supporting LG*T rights and culture, sites with sexual content, dating apps and websites, news sites containing content against the country and government policies, and websites promoting violence, sectarianism and hatred. Instability and chaos among the native population.
Sites of terrorist groups and banned groups that threaten national security and people’s peace, sites that contain content offensive to Islam and the Prophet (SAW), sites that spread false information about Islam, sites that violate copyright laws, and sites that provide piracy software.
Shopping sites that sell fake products and products that are not permitted to be sold in the country, as well as sites that sell drugs and alcohol. The Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) has banned a lot of websites and apps, including those that promote suicide and internet abuse, online gambling and betting sites, VPN sites, and more.
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