General Authority of Media Regulation

The General Authority of Media Regulation is a government organization in Saudi Arabia that censors and represses media organizations and individuals who publish media content contrary to the government's narratives.
It was founded in 2012 originally as the General Commission for Audiovisual Media, and is responsible for the development, regulation, and supervision of audio-visual media transmission, publication, and overall media content within the state.

History

The General Commission for Audiovisual Media was founded following decision no. #236 of the Council of Ministers on 21 Rajab 1433 AH. In Shawwal 1433 AH, the organisation of General Commission for Audiovisual Media was approved, which includes having a board of directors headed by the Minister of Culture and Information.
In September 2023, to comply with Saudi Vision 2030, the Council of Ministers have approved to reorganise the General Commission for Audiovisual Media to include regulation for publication media, subsequently transforming the agency into the General Authority of Media Regulation. By December 2023, the Ministry of Media has revealed the strategy and corporate identity of the General Authority of Media Regulation.
As of December 2022, Abdullatif bin Mohammed Al-Abdullatif has been appointed as CEO of the General Authority of Media Regulation.

Responsibilities

Gmedia conducts and regulation and policies audiovisual activities in accordance with Kingdom’s “media policy” as well as provides related services to facilitates the content broadcasting. furthermore, it issues and manages licenses for audiovisual media transmission and content. Gmedia is also responsible for technical issues and specifications related to the media such as providing the approval for the frequency spectrum, media transmission devices.

Saudi cinema

In December 2017, the General Commission for Audiovisual Media chaired by Ministry of Culture and Information announced the re-opening the cinema in the Kingdom where the commission would be responsible for granting licenses to cinemas.

Saudi Arabian age rating systems

Video games

In August 2016, GCAM introduced Saudi Arabia's official age rating system for video games. This came following two years of research, and working closely with Sony MEA's Saudi office. Any game title is effectively banned if Gmedia refuses to give it a rating, unless publishers possibly address concerns and remove violating content specifically for the market. The ratings include the following:

Icon	Rating	Description
	3	Video game content suitable for ages 3 and above only.
	7	Video game content suitable for ages 7 and above only.
	12	Video game content suitable for ages 12 and above only.
	16	Video game content suitable for ages 16 and above only.
	18	Video game content suitable for ages 18 and above only.
	21	Video game content suitable for ages 21 and above only.
	To be classified	Video game content has not been yet classified. This symbol is used in early marketing prior to said game's release.

Films

Following the December 2017 announcement of film theatres re-opening in Saudi Arabia, in early 2018 Deadline Hollywood reported that the Center for International Communication started developing a new content classification system for films to be exhibited in the country. By April 2018, GCAM has officially approved of a 6-category film content classification system. In June 2022, the system was silently revised with an additional "PG15" classification, and the "R12" classification has been eventually officially retired.
Any film is refused classification if said film does not pass Gmedia's censorship standards, unless edited by the film's local or global distributor if possible. Theatres are obligated to refuse admittance to any minor under minimal age from viewing films rated "R15" or higher. As of December 2023, the film ratings received slightly redesigned icons reflecting the corporate identity of Gmedia, and include the following:

Icon	Rating	Description
	G	Film is suitable for a general audience of all ages.
	PG	Parental guidance is advised for film audience below 12 years old.
	PG12	Film audience below 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
	PG15	Film audience below 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
	R15	Film audience below 15 years old are prohibited to be admitted.
	R18	Film audience below 18 years old are prohibited to be admitted.