Article 16 of the Saudi Audiovisual Media Law

This article sets out who detects violations under the Audiovisual Media Law.

The elements of the rule:

• The task: detecting violations of the provisions of the Law and regulations.
• Who carries it out: employees appointed by decision of the President, who under Article 1 is the president of the General Authority for Audiovisual Media.
• Their capacity: they have the capacity of law enforcement officers.

Having the capacity of law enforcement officers means that their detection of violations takes place in an official, statutory capacity. The text does not give this capacity to every employee of the Authority, but to the employees appointed by decision of the President.

The article does not detail these employees' powers or the detection procedures. But paragraph 3 of Article 18 gives the Authority the power to hold the devices, equipment and tools involved in the violation when detected, until it is decided, in accordance with the statutory procedures. Detection is thus the start of a path that may end in one of the penalties in Article 17.

The practical effect for a media establishment: it is advisable to check that those carrying out detection are employees appointed by decision of the President. When a violation report is drawn up against an establishment or an individual, it is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in media regulation and administrative matters.