According to National Terrorist Alert, the Saudi Gazette and others, the Saudis have made cameras in Internet cafes mandatory across the kingdom. The rationale is to catch militant Muslim extremists and, in fact, that is an increasing problem in the country. However, anyone who believes the spying will be restricted to the violent elements in the society is clearly high. The same law that has placed the cameras also has the following elements, according to NTA.

Internet cafes will also be required to identify all their customers.

People who do not have a license will be forbidden to access the Internet via satellite connections.

Minors under 18 years of old will not be allowed to use Internet cafes, which will be required to close at midnight.

The Gazette, who say Saudi police have already begun visiting the cafes to check on compliance, outlines still other rules.

The new security regulations include a ban on using any Internet service subscription, prepaid cards or unlicensed satellite Internet other than the one certified for use by the café. Those under 18 years of age will not be allowed entry into the cafés, which must close by midnight. Also, a Saudi must be employed and all phone lines must be in the name of the licensed café , not the owner’s or anybody else’s name.