The General Commission for Audio-Visual Media in Saudi Arabia has issued a warning that forbids expats from posting paid partnerships on their social channels without a valid permit in a statement issued on the 7th of June, 2022.
In coordination with the Ministry of Trade, the commission will urge companies to avoid partnering with or inviting influencers who do not hold legal permits to advertise in Saudi Arabia. The statement came after reports of multiple violations were detected by authorities from expat influencers that had published paid brand partnerships without obtaining a trade license in the country or working under a licensed organisation.
Operation without a license can be treated like trading without a license and may lead up to five years prison sentence.
The commission added in a statement “In coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, a circular will be generalised to commercial establishments requesting them not to deal with violating non-Saudi advertisers or invite them to events marketing products, services and commodities.” If the rules are not followed carefully, not only does the expat face imprisonment, but also a maximum fine of SR5 million.
Cases this month
Already this month, an Arab Snapchat influencer was banned from advertising for posting video content that was promoting tobacco through her social media accounts. She was given a fine of SR400,000 for advertising without a license which threatens others who may not know about this rule and freely posting on their accounts.
Are you an influencer who has faced a lawsuit for posting on your social media? Let us know by emailing your story to content@itp.live.
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