Loading ...A Guide To Internet Access In The Middle East
Sponsored Content
Heading home (Middle East) is always special, but it’s safe to say the cultural differences are significant.
One of the biggest frustrations when visiting the Middle East is undoubtedly access to the internet. It’s common knowledge that censorship is rife in the likes of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but very few people actually know the finer details.
One thing is for sure if you’re wanting to browse as you would at home in the USA, you’re going to need to invest in a VPN.
When visiting the Middle East it’s incredibly important to be aware of the limitations you face across each country. For example, using a VPN in Saudi Arabia is essential and will allow you to access a number of sites that are blocked. Many western sites have been censored down the years, including the likes of Fox News and CBC. And it’s a similar story across many Arab countries.
There are usually some common themes when visiting any country, with the following likely needing a VPN to access…
Streaming Services
Online streaming is one of the most popular services used by people these days with the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime used by millions of people worldwide.
While Netflix is available in Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries, it is censored and has significantly fewer titles than what you’d find in the USA.
There are just over 400 movies available on Saudi Netflix, compared to over 4,000 in the USA and the government controversially demanded the removal of an episode of the series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, after it was considered insulting to Prince Mohamed bin Salman.
The episode was claimed to break Article 6 of its anti-cybercrime law. It has been claimed it’s a violation of free speech but is one of the biggest examples of censored media within the country.
Social Media
Social media has had quite the history in the Middle East and Arab states. It saw the uprising in the likes of Tunisia and has since caused concern for governments.
Social media is heavily monitored but also heavily used by the government to push its own agenda. Niki Akhavan, chairman of Media Studies at the Catholic University of America said of Iran’s use of social media, “Iran] has always had this contradictory position in relation to established media and emerging media. It has always expressed concerns from the outset that these media can be used as a form of cultural invasion from abroad, from Iran’s enemies . . . But it has also always recognized the power of media to push forward its own agenda.”
Essentially, anything that is recognized as anti-governmental will be censored, while apps and groups will be completely closed down if they’re any sort of protest.
Facebook is completely banned in Iran, alongside Twitter, and has been since 2009, although many do use VPN for Iran to get around this, which is of course what any visitors to the country will also have to do.
What also must be noted is that apps such as WhatsApp are also banned in a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Iran.
Websites
Government departments will censor a number of websites, ranging from forums to even high-profile news sites like the New York Times or the BBC.
They will block any sites that offer any opinion that could be considered against the morals of the nation or potentially push an anti-governmental agenda.
A recent feature on the BBC highlighted an LGBT online magazine based in Jordan has actually been blocked in the country, while many more sites covering religion, war and politics are also blocked.
Video/Online Games
Video games regularly cause controversy all over the world and if games are being censored in the likes of Australia and Japan, then they’re certainly going to be in Middle Eastern nations.
The reasons for censorship can vary but as with most online content, if it could be deemed to go against the morals or political standing of the government, then residents of the country won’t have access.
One big game that saw the chop was Battlefield 3 in Iran, due to the storyline of the game involving a US invasion of Tehran. That was deemed to portray the Middle East in a negative light.
In Saudi Arabia, there are dozens of games that have been censored, including the likes of Assassin’s Creed, Red Dead Redemption and the Grand Theft Auto series as a whole due to its violence, nudity, and themes, although this isn’t uncommon across many countries worldwide.
As well as this, you’ll also find online gambling sites completely banned and therefore a VPN is required to access any sites you wish to play from back home.
Click Here to Visit Our BLOG:
https://www.arabamerica.com/category/blog/