Saudi Arabia warns against online rumours

 Saudi authorities have warned against the spread of false rumors on social media and urged the public against being misled by fake news.

Saudi public prosecution has underlined the “importance of being on guard against rumours and everything that can stir public opinion”.

Spreading false news on social media deemed disruptive of public order is an offence in Saudi Arabia punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of SR3 million.

“Everyone should shun spreading rumours on social networking sites. Everyone should get information from its official sources,” the prosecution added in a statement quoted by Saudi media.