Saudi Arabia - Internet censorship/privacy and data security

I'll be traveling to KSA soon for business (from the US) and am curious about the kind of internet access and restrictions that may be enforced, as well as what kinds of screening my electronics may be subject to.

I've seen references like this one that state electronic devices may be screened on entry, but it doesn't say what exactly that entails. Will someone potentially be trying to access my data to see what it is? Assuming so, my work laptop's hard drive is encrypted, so they'd have to get me to voluntarily bypass that. Would I have any right to refuse?

Regarding internet access, is it censored or monitored in any way that would surprise someone from the US? Will I have access to my private VPN?

Are there other regulations related to electronics, media, internet, etc. that I should be aware of?

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Is internet censored in Saudi Arabia?

Multiple forms of media including books, newspapers, magazines, films, television, and content published on the Internet are censored in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government closely monitors media and restricts it under official state law.

What websites are not allowed in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, any websites critical of the government or the monarchy are blocked. In addition, all nudity, pornography, gambling sites and casinos, sites that discuss alcohol and drugs, and sites that are considered blasphemous against the prophet Muhammad and Islam are banned.

Is social media blocked in Saudi?

Political ExpressionThe websites and social media pages of both the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and the Saudi Civil and Political Rights Organization (ACPRA) are also currently blocked.

How is the Internet in Saudi Arabia?

Overview. Internet freedom remained highly restricted in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi government increasingly seeks to expand high-quality internet access across the country; however, the restrictive absolute monarchy limits the range of information available online.

Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law Compliance \u0026 Regulations | Watch On-Demand Webinar

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