Trend Micro highlights challenges to the region’s organisations
business11 hours ago
Saudi Arabia will lift its ban on internet calling applications on Wednesday, authorities said, easing restrictions online as the conservative kingdom faces new criticism over censorship.
Voice and video calling apps such as WhatsApp and Skype will be 'widely available to users', a government statement said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at improving business confidence as the kingdom transitions into a post-oil era.
"Access to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will reduce operational costs and spur digital entrepreneurship," the statement said, citing a directive from the communications and technology ministry. "Digital transformation is one of the key kick-starters for the Saudi economy, as it will incentivise the growth of internet-based businesses, especially in the media and entertainment industries."
Alongside the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia imposed a blockade on Qatar in June, in the worst diplomatic crisis to roil the Gulf in years.
"The recent cooperation with Snapchat to remove Al Jazeera, a harmful, propaganda-pushing channel that supports extremism, should not be considered in isolation or interpreted as a crackdown on free media," the Saudi statement said.
Saudi Arabia, with its bulging youth population, is among the world's top per capita users of social media. The internet represents a limited space for freedom of expression in a country with strict social codes.
More than half of Saudi Arabia's citizens are under 25, who spend much of their time on social media platforms, away from official strictures and traditions.
Will the UAE follow suit as well? Whatsapp is one of most popular apps in the region. However the TRA said that there has been no change to their VoIP policy. You can read about their statement regarding Whatsapp calls here
Trend Micro highlights challenges to the region’s organisations
business11 hours ago
The fastest lap point can be crucial when the championship is on a knife-edge but it has also become a part of strategy, sometimes controversially when used by teams with common ownership
sports11 hours ago
Milestone reflects the high demand for the project’s luxury residences
business11 hours ago
Sri Lanka chased down their 163-run target with 12 balls to spare
sports11 hours ago
Awards recognise companies to showcase transformative contributions to the telecom industry
business11 hours ago
Set 135 to win, South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare
sports12 hours ago
The third of four supermoons in 2024, the 'best thing' about the supermoon is that it can be viewed from anywhere
space12 hours ago
Sinwar emerged as the leader of the Palestinian group after helping ignite a full-blown war that has engulfed the region
mena12 hours ago