Saudi Govt Lifting Ban on Skype, WhatsApp Calls, but will Monitor them

Few days back we told you people that Saudi Govt has lifted ban on call made via online Apps. All online voice call services including Skype, WhatsApp and Viber which satisfied regulatory requirements were accessible by people. Saudi Govt Lifting Ban on Skype, WhatsApp Calls, but will Monitor them.

However it was seen that WhatsApp calls were not working. Yesterday a spokesperson from government told that the ban is lifted up but they will monitor and censor calls on online platforms. Later on Viber appeared to remain blocked in KSA and WhatsApp only worked when connected to wireless network.

Saudi Govt Lifting Ban on Skype, WhatsApp Calls, but will Monitor them

Adel Abu Hameed, spokesman for telecoms regulator CITC revealed on Arabiya that new regulations were aimed mainly at protecting users personal information and blocking content that violated the the Laws of KSA.

Hameed said:

Under no circumstances can the user use an application for video or voice calling without monitoring and censorship by the Communications and Information Technology Commission, whether the application is global or local.

It is still not known that how authorities can monitor these apps which claim that their messages are supported by end to end encryption.

This policy can squeeze the telecom giants in KSA such as Saudi Telecom Co (STC), Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) and Zain Saudi. These companies earn revenue from international phone calls made by millions living in KSA.

Also Read: Saudi Arabia Lifts Ban on WhatsApp, Viber and Skype Calling