700,000 Net users in Saudi Arabia

The number of Internet users in Saudi Arabia has soared to over 700,000. This figure is up to the first half of this year and statistics say the number of users is growing by 22 per cent each year.

The statistics have been prepared by a Riyadh-based organisation. It says most Saudi youngsters spend an average of four hours daily on the Internet. Forty-seven per cent of surfers are attracted by pornographic sites.

The study confirms that a large number of Internet users visit sites that are prohibited by the authorities. They defy rules laid down by the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, an official body assigned to provide Internet services in Saudi Arabia.

The body has blocked over 300,000 pornographic sites, and users are denied access to sites that display pictures that violate Islamic values. Seventy-eight per cent of surfers are male and most are aged between 24 and 32. The majority do not use the Internet for study and research, but for recreation.

With the increasing number of the Internet users, the responsibility of the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology will increase. The city is equipped with sophisticated equipment to block sites that portray material that violate public morals.