Law of Printed Materials and Publication

Purpose and scope

• Regulates printed matter, pre-press services, printing presses, bookshops, photography, publishing and similar activities (Article 2); its aims include spreading culture and knowledge and promoting good morals (Article 3).

Key rules, rights and obligations

• Those responsible for a publication must keep criticism objective and constructive and based on true facts; publishing by any means is prohibited where it breaches Sharia or the laws, harms security or public order, insults any natural or legal person, stirs strife, or reports investigations or trials without permission (Article 9 as amended).
• The author, publisher or printer submits two copies to the ministry for approval before printing or circulation (Article 13), and foreign publications are approved or refused with reasons within thirty days (Article 19).
• Newspapers and their staff may not accept any benefit from domestic or foreign parties without ministry approval (Article 30).

Violations, penalties and common problems

• Penalties: a fine of up to five hundred thousand riyals, doubled for a repeat, a ban from writing and media appearances, closing or blocking the outlet, or publishing an apology at the violator's expense for false information or accusations (Article 38 as amended).
• The bans extend to online publishing and social media; a common problem is publishing accusations or photos of people without permission.

Procedures and key deadlines

• A primary committee hears violations, and its decisions may be challenged before an appeal committee (Article 40 as amended).

An advisory summary prepared by Al-Bayan Al-Wadih Law Firm. It is not an official text and does not replace the law, its implementing regulations, or advice from a specialised lawyer. The official published text and its amendments prevail.