Elon Musk's X has blocked more than 60 accounts belonging to Saudi Arabian dissidents so they are no longer visible inside the kingdom, following orders from Saudi authorities, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- More than 60 accounts on X have been made unavailable in Saudi Arabia.
- The action followed orders from Saudi authorities.
- Snapchat and Meta's Facebook and Instagram took similar action earlier this year.
- Saudi authorities alleged the accounts were violating local law.
Elon Musk’s X has become the latest major US social media company to block the accounts of Saudi Arabian dissidents so they are no longer visible inside the kingdom, according to an exclusive report by the Guardian.
The outlet reported that more than 60 accounts on X have been made unavailable in Saudi Arabia. The move followed orders from Saudi authorities, the Guardian said.
The action places X alongside other major US platforms that have taken similar steps. Earlier this year, the Guardian reported that platforms including Snapchat and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram had blocked dissidents’ accounts.
According to the Guardian, Saudi authorities alleged that the accounts were violating local law. The blocking means the accounts are no longer visible to users inside Saudi Arabia.
The report frames X’s decision as part of a broader pattern of US-based social media companies complying with requests from Saudi authorities to restrict content and accounts within the kingdom.
Why it matters
The blocking of dissident accounts raises questions about how major US technology platforms balance free expression against compliance with foreign governments' demands. For users inside Saudi Arabia, it can limit access to critical voices and independent viewpoints.
Frequently asked questions
How many accounts did X block in Saudi Arabia?
According to the Guardian, more than 60 accounts on X have been made unavailable in Saudi Arabia.
Why were the accounts blocked?
The Guardian reported the action followed orders from Saudi authorities, who alleged the accounts were violating local law.
Have other platforms taken similar action?
Yes. The Guardian reported that Snapchat and Meta's Facebook and Instagram had blocked dissidents' accounts earlier this year.