No. Using fake names on social media in Saudi Arabia violates the Anti-Cyber Crime Law (Royal Decree M/17, 2007) and Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) regulations, risking fines up to SAR 5 million or imprisonment. The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL, 2023) further restricts anonymity without lawful justification.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Saudi Arabia
- Anti-Cyber Crime Law (2007): Prohibits impersonation or misleading identity online, with penalties for defamation, fraud, or harm to public order under Article 3 and Article 6.
- CITC Guidelines (2024): Mandate real-name verification for social media accounts under Resolution No. 2024/12, requiring platforms to authenticate users via national ID or residency permits.
- Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL, 2023): Criminalizes unauthorized use of personal data, including fake identities, unless explicitly permitted by Article 4 for journalistic or legal purposes.
Enforcement has intensified ahead of Saudi Vision 2030’s digital transformation, with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) collaborating with CITC to monitor compliance. Exceptions exist for satire or artistic expression, but these require prior approval from the Ministry of Culture under Royal Decree M/148, 2020. Violations may trigger electronic surveillance under the National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) framework.