Saudi Arabia sets clear rules for Content Creators and Influencers: Everything you need to know

Riyadh, Monday 29th September 2025 — Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Media Regulation (GAMR) has announced a comprehensive set of rules governing the conduct of content creators and social media influencers, marking a significant regulatory step in the country’s digital landscape. The guidelines, which came into effect on 24 September 2025, are aimed at curbing inappropriate online behaviour, ensuring responsible digital engagement, and aligning online practices with the Kingdom’s cultural and social values.

Key Prohibitions Outlined

The new framework strictly prohibits influencers from showcasing luxury items in a manner deemed ostentatious, such as flaunting expensive cars, jewellery, or property. Officials argue that such displays encourage unhealthy social comparisons and undermine broader efforts to promote modesty and balance in public life. In addition, the rules restrict the sharing of videos or images featuring revealing or inappropriate clothing, reinforcing the importance of cultural modesty within Saudi Arabia’s digital spaces. The guidelines also clamp down on the use of offensive or inappropriate language, whether directed at individuals or communities, to reduce the spread of abusive and inflammatory content online.

The policy extends to sensitive areas such as family and domestic life. Content creators are now forbidden from posting material that exposes children or domestic workers without explicit consent. Similarly, videos or posts revealing private family disputes or internal matters are classified as violations, reflecting concerns about protecting personal privacy and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for digital reach.

Another crucial element of the rules is the ban on content promoting misinformation, blackmail, or divisive narratives. Posts that exploit tribal, sectarian, or community differences for digital traction will be treated as breaches of national unity, underscoring the Kingdom’s determination to safeguard social harmony.

Enforcement and Penalties

To ensure compliance, GAMR has established a tiered enforcement system. Offenders may face monetary fines, compulsory removal of content, suspension of their accounts, or, in severe cases, legal prosecution. Officials have made clear that penalties will be proportionate to the seriousness of the violation, but repeated breaches could result in long-term bans from content creation. Industry insiders note that these enforcement measures represent one of the most structured approaches to influencer regulation in the Middle East, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to maintain order in its rapidly expanding digital economy.

Training and Awareness Measures

Alongside punitive measures, GAMR has emphasised education and awareness. The authority is organising workshops, training sessions, and seminars for influencers and brands to familiarise them with the new requirements. The sessions are designed not only to clarify what constitutes a violation but also to encourage content creators to adapt their material in line with ethical and professional standards. Officials argue that empowering influencers with knowledge is as important as enforcing rules, since many young digital creators may not fully understand the implications of their posts on cultural values, public safety, or national reputation.

Broader Political and Social Context

The announcement comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing significant social and economic transformation under Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s flagship reform agenda. While the initiative seeks to diversify the economy and expand entertainment and cultural opportunities, it also underscores the need to balance openness with the preservation of traditional values. By targeting influencers, GAMR is addressing a sector that has gained immense popularity in recent years but has also been criticised for spreading unchecked or culturally inappropriate content. Analysts suggest that the rules reflect a delicate balancing act: encouraging digital creativity and entrepreneurship while maintaining strict oversight in line with societal norms.

International Comparisons

Globally, governments have increasingly sought to regulate social media influencers, citing concerns over misleading advertising, privacy, and harmful content. In Europe, regulations often target transparency in paid promotions, while in Asia, several countries have introduced rules on culturally sensitive online conduct. Saudi Arabia’s framework, however, stands out for its emphasis on preserving cultural values, privacy, and national unity. Experts argue that the rules could set a precedent for neighbouring Gulf states, where digital content creation is rapidly becoming both a cultural force and a commercial industry.

Public Reaction

Public response within Saudi Arabia has been mixed. Supporters argue that the rules are essential to safeguard the country’s values and protect younger audiences from exposure to harmful or misleading material. Many parents have welcomed restrictions on content involving children, viewing them as overdue protections in an age of widespread digital exposure. On the other hand, critics contend that the rules could stifle creativity and limit the ability of influencers to express themselves freely. Some also warn that the penalties may deter new entrants from pursuing careers in the digital space, reducing diversity of voices in the online ecosystem.

Impact on Brands and Influencers

The new rules will also have significant implications for international brands operating in Saudi Arabia. Marketing campaigns that rely on influencer collaborations must now be carefully vetted to ensure compliance with GAMR’s standards. For influencers, adapting to the new framework will require not only changes in content but also an investment in legal awareness and professional training. Agencies that manage influencers may need to introduce stricter content review systems, while brands may adopt more cautious approaches in choosing collaborators.

Looking Ahead

The rollout of these guidelines signals a long-term regulatory shift in Saudi Arabia’s digital sphere. Observers believe that enforcement in the initial months will be closely monitored, with the government expected to make examples of high-profile cases to reinforce its authority. Over time, compliance is likely to become an essential requirement for influencers seeking to maintain or grow their digital presence in the Kingdom. For Saudi Arabia, the initiative represents another step in shaping a modern, digitally engaged society that nonetheless remains anchored in traditional values and state oversight.

Riyadh’s decision to regulate content creators in this manner is seen as a defining moment in the region’s digital governance journey. Whether these rules encourage more responsible online behaviour or trigger new debates on freedom of expression will be closely observed not just within the Kingdom but across the Middle East and beyond.

Disclaimer: This news report is not intended to defame, criticise, or undermine any player, coach, or team. It is based on verified match statistics, expert insights, and public opinion.