The Role of Digital Media in Achieving Transparency in Light of Legislation Relating to Freedom of Expression in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Research Title: The Role of Digital Media in Achieving Transparency in Light of Legislation Relating to Freedom of Expression in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study aims to investigate the role of digital media in promoting transparency in Saudi society, in light of the legislation regulating freedom of expression in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study sought to analyze the extent to which digital platforms, including social media and electronic news websites, contribute to uncovering facts, enabling citizens to access information, and monitoring institutional performance, within a legal framework that governs the limits of freedom of expression and publication. The study relied on a descriptive and analytical approach through a review of relevant literature, analyzing selected legislative and media content, and conducting interviews with a group of media and legal specialists. The results concluded that digital media represents an effective tool in supporting transparency, particularly with regard to promoting social accountability and highlighting public issues. However, its role remains constrained by the limits of national legislation regulating expression, which seeks to achieve a balance between freedom of opinion and protecting the public interest. The study recommended the importance of developing clearer regulatory frameworks for digital media, promoting a culture of responsible media use, and supporting the independence of media outlets to promote transparency and respect the legal frameworks in force in the Kingdom.