Saudi Arabia Reportedly Bans Viber

Due to the inability to fully monitor the use of popular smartphone and computer application, Viber, Reuters reports that Saudi Arabia’s telecom regulator has banned its use throughout the country.

Viber allows all users to make local or international phone calls and send messages and media files for free, which impacts the revenue of local Saudi telecom companies. Many international residents and companies use the application daily in their workplace, and do so without having to pay any fees to the Saudi government.

The regulator also alleges that Viber doesn’t meet national telecom requirements, as it regularly monitors all other communication outlets and cannot do so with Viber.

The Saudi Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) explained on their website that “The Viber application has been suspended … and the (regulator) affirms it will take appropriate action against any other applications or services if they fail to comply with regulatory requirements and rules in force in the kingdom.”