Saudi Arabia Targets Critics of Rising Cost of Living
Authorities arrest and fine social media users who voiced online criticism of living costs and welfare changes under anti-cybercrime laws.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up restrictions on free expression by targeting individuals who have publicly criticised the rising cost of living and changes to the social welfare system.
In December 2025, the country’s media regulator fined nine people and ordered the closure of their social media accounts for publishing what authorities described as “violating content,” after a series of online posts that drew attention to economic grievances and welfare reforms.
This enforcement followed the November arrest of six others accused of systematically publishing information intended to provoke public opinion.
According to official statements, those detained could be prosecuted under the kingdom’s anti-cybercrime law, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to about eight hundred thousand dollars.
Human rights groups have described the actions as part of an escalating digital crackdown, arguing that regulatory bodies are increasingly being used to suppress critical voices and punish individuals for expressing dissatisfaction with government policies.
The clampdown appears linked to swelling online criticism of recent reforms to Saudi Arabia’s social safety net.
The tightening of welfare eligibility criteria by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has led many citizens to lose access to monthly benefits they previously received.
Although officials insist that the social safety net remains a priority and that stricter criteria are meant to ensure support for those deemed most deserving, public discontent has grown.
Among those publicly identified was conservative singer Falah al-Masrede, who shared a viral video describing how his disabled sister had been denied social security payments.
The episode highlights a broader paradox within Saudi Arabia: while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership has overseen social liberalisation in areas such as entertainment and the release of some political prisoners, the tolerance for public dissent — particularly on economic issues — has tightened.
Observers note that the government’s response to online criticism reflects a decreasing margin for open debate on matters many Saudis regard as central to their livelihoods.
In December 2025, the country’s media regulator fined nine people and ordered the closure of their social media accounts for publishing what authorities described as “violating content,” after a series of online posts that drew attention to economic grievances and welfare reforms.
This enforcement followed the November arrest of six others accused of systematically publishing information intended to provoke public opinion.
According to official statements, those detained could be prosecuted under the kingdom’s anti-cybercrime law, which carries penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to three million Saudi riyals, equivalent to about eight hundred thousand dollars.
Human rights groups have described the actions as part of an escalating digital crackdown, arguing that regulatory bodies are increasingly being used to suppress critical voices and punish individuals for expressing dissatisfaction with government policies.
The clampdown appears linked to swelling online criticism of recent reforms to Saudi Arabia’s social safety net.
The tightening of welfare eligibility criteria by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has led many citizens to lose access to monthly benefits they previously received.
Although officials insist that the social safety net remains a priority and that stricter criteria are meant to ensure support for those deemed most deserving, public discontent has grown.
Among those publicly identified was conservative singer Falah al-Masrede, who shared a viral video describing how his disabled sister had been denied social security payments.
The episode highlights a broader paradox within Saudi Arabia: while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership has overseen social liberalisation in areas such as entertainment and the release of some political prisoners, the tolerance for public dissent — particularly on economic issues — has tightened.
Observers note that the government’s response to online criticism reflects a decreasing margin for open debate on matters many Saudis regard as central to their livelihoods.
