Responsibility for Online Harms: A Critical Analysis of Cyber Governance in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This thesis investigates the topic of internet governance within the context of Saudi Arabia. It focuses on the component of ‘Responsibility’ for internet governance when applied to the policy area of combating online harms. As such, the research work investigates and evaluates the present framework of responsibility devised to address online harms, considering the assemblage which regulates online content and cybersecurity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This approach aims to facilitate the prevention and mitigation of the harmful effects of online activities and content, thereby aligning with the objectives outlined in the Saudi state’s long-term project known as Vision 2030. The thesis adopts the hypothesis that effectively addressing online harms requires a primary objective of establishing a robust responsibility structure. This method can best be achieved by facilitating the active participation of all stakeholders in the strategic deployment of responsive – including preventive – measures. Consequently, the thesis advocates a multistakeholderism approach with reference to governance for the prevention and mitigation of online harms in Saudi Arabia. It evaluates the effectiveness and fairness of the responsibility structure in fostering cybersecurity and mitigating the harmful effects of online content in the Saudi context. The formal study employs semi-structured interviews with elite figures and authorities from governmental and private organisations, internet content and service providers, as well as corporate users, which are the small and medium enterprises (SME) as internet users. Additionally, it integrates the policy transfer methodology to draw insights from the experiences of the United Kingdom in the realm of internet governance. In sum, the thesis proposes areas of improvement to develop a comprehensive online harms governance framework in Saudi Arabia. Such amendments are expected to contribute to the recognition and realisation of the declared Vision 2030 goals related to internet governance in the Saudi realm.