Saudi Arabia bans 'illegal' TV decoders

Saudi Arabia is planning to ban 'illegal' Pay TV decoder boxes from use within the kingdom, which will include them being imported into the country. Government officials said the move will reduce piracy in Saudi Arabia and protect intellectual property rights, as consumers will only be allowed to use sanctioned services and products such as Showtime and its equipment. HE Abdul Rahman Al Hazzaa, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Culture and Information, said: 'The Kingdom is taking a strong stance against piracy because it compromises religious values, weakens the economy, tarnishes the country's image and hurts consumers.'