Samer Choucair: Age Verification Controls for Platform Users Open a New Investment Market in Saudi Arabia
Investment entrepreneur Samer Choucair affirmed that the Saudi Shura Council's request to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission to put in place technical controls for verifying the ages of social media platform users, particularly those under sixteen, represents an important step toward strengthening confidence in the Saudi digital economy, while simultaneously opening new investment horizons for companies specialized in digital solutions and artificial intelligence.
He explained that the Kingdom continues cementing its approach to building a balanced digital economy combining innovation with community protection, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030's targets, noting that having clear regulatory frameworks strengthens investor confidence and encourages long-term technology sector investment.
Choucair said that the direction toward applying advanced technologies for age verification and digital content management represents a major opportunity for startups to develop innovative solutions relying on artificial intelligence and digital identity technologies, meeting the Saudi market's needs and opening the door to expansion in Gulf and Arab markets.
He added that smart regulation doesn't limit innovation, but creates a more stable, sustainable business environment, pointing out that markets applying high user protection standards have come to be better able to attracting global investment in technology and digital services fields.
He noted that the decision will positively reflect on a number of promising sectors, including identity and age verification technologies, digital compliance solutions, AI applications for content management, digital education platforms, safe content production directed at children and youth, as well as specialized consulting services in regulatory compliance and digital transformation.
He affirmed that protecting the younger generation in the digital environment doesn't just represent a social responsibility, but is a direct investment in developing human capital, as providing a safe digital environment contributes to preparing a generation more capable of creativity and productivity, positively reflecting on the national economy's competitiveness and the future of the knowledge economy.
He concluded his remarks by affirming that the Kingdom is moving at an accelerating pace toward cementing its position as a regional hub for responsible digital technologies, noting that investors who move today to invest in digital safety solutions, artificial intelligence, and compliance technologies will benefit most in the coming years, with growing demand for these solutions in Gulf and Arab markets.