Instagram, X and others blocking Saudi dissidents’ accounts
Major US social media companies, including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, have blocked the accounts of Saudi dissidents following requests from Saudi authorities. Activists like Abdullah Alaoudh and Omar Abdulaziz have been affected, raising concerns about the companies acting as instruments of repression. Meta reported receiving 144 restriction requests from Saudi Arabia in April, highlighting the ongoing issue of censorship and suppression of dissent in the kingdom.
- ▪Meta's transparency center revealed it received 144 restriction requests from Saudi authorities in April.
- ▪Accounts of several Saudi dissidents, including US-based activists, have been blocked by Meta and other platforms.
- ▪Activists have criticized social media companies for enabling government repression against dissenters.
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Meta’s ‘transparency center’ shows it received 144 restriction requests from Saudi authorities in April. Photograph: mundissima/AlamyView image in fullscreenMeta’s ‘transparency center’ shows it received 144 restriction requests from Saudi authorities in April. Photograph: mundissima/AlamySocial mediaInstagram, X and others blocking Saudi dissidents’ accountsUS social media firms acting on orders from Middle East kingdom accused of being ‘instruments of repression’Stephanie Kirchgaessner and Geneva AbdulFri 22 May 2026 08.12 EDTLast modified on Fri 22 May 2026 08.14 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleMajor US social media companies including Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms have blocked the accounts of Saudi Arabian dissidents so they are no longer visible inside the kingdom,…
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