Islam Times - After Viber Saudi Arabia wants to ban WhatsApp and Twitter

Islam Times - Almost a year after Saudi Arabia threatens to tighten its grip on technology and internet access, especially in the field of telecommunication applications, the authorities have been rumoured to be set to issue a ban on WhatsApp and Twitter.

Detractors to the regime have slammed the government, alleging that Al Saud seeks only to oppress Saudis by limiting their access to information and restricting ways in which they can express themselves.

An absolute monarchy, Saudi Arabia tolerates no challenge to its despotic rule.

The authorities have claimed that internet bans have always been imposed with the best interests of the people in mind, allegations the majority of Saudis have rejected as false and hypocritical.

Back in March 2013, Saudi Arabia threatened to block several popular Internet chat, call, and messaging services if they don't get in line with the country's regulatory requirements.

The apps in question included Skype, WhatsApp, and Viber. At the time the Saudi Arabian Communications and Information Technology Commission issued a statement that said, "The Commission emphasizes that it will take appropriate action regarding these applications and services in the event of failure to meet those conditions."