Saudi Arabia has issued its first reported copyright infringement fine linked to AI-generated content, underscoring how existing intellectual property frameworks are being applied to emerging technologies. According to Saudi Gazette, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) ordered an individual to pay SR9,000 ($2,400) after using artificial intelligence to modify and publish someone else’s personal photograph without obtaining permission. This action highlights the Kingdom’s growing emphasis on enforcing intellectual property rights in the era of generative AI and signals to creators and rights holders that protections extend to their likeness when used by AI tools.
The case marks a new stage in applying Saudi Arabia’s Copyright Law (Royal Decree No. M/41) to AI-related disputes. SAIP handled the matter under the current legal framework without introducing new legislation, showing that AI misuse can fall under established rules. Under Saudi copyright law, individuals hold both moral and financial rights over their personal images and likeness, and publishing modified images without consent constitutes a clear violation. While no specific regulations exist for AI usage in the Kingdom, applications of AI must comply with a combination of existing laws, including copyright, personal data protection (PDPL), and anti-cybercrime regulations.
Saudi Gazette reported that SAIP’s enforcement process began with a complaint from the aggrieved party, followed by evidence collection and a direct investigation with the alleged violator. A specialised committee then examined the case before reaching a final decision. This structured process indicates that AI-generated infringements are being treated in the same way as other intellectual property violations, with clear procedures for investigation and adjudication. The ruling also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s stated commitment to aligning intellectual property practices with international standards and ensuring that personal rights remain protected despite new technological developments.
The fine arrives as governments worldwide wrestle with regulating AI technologies capable of generating increasingly sophisticated content. In the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and other jurisdictions, frameworks such as the EU AI Act are emerging to address AI governance. However, these frameworks often stop short of specifying how copyright laws should apply to AI-generated content. Saudi Arabia’s approach—using its existing copyright legislation to address AI-related infringements—adds a new dimension to the global discussion on intellectual property enforcement in the age of generative AI. Creators and rights holders across multiple sectors are watching such developments closely as they push for stronger safeguards against unauthorised use of their work by automated systems.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
