Criminal Liability of Parents for the Exploitation of Children in the Digital Content Industry through Social Media Platforms

This research addresses the issue of criminal liability of Parents for the exploitation of children in the digital content industry through social media platforms, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of enforcing the punitive provisions prescribed under the Saudi legal system against parents or legal guardians responsible for the care of children when they engage in such conduct. The study examines the position of the Saudi legal system in addressing the subject matter under consideration by analyzing the relevant statutory provisions. It also identifies the legal basis upon which criminal liability for perpetrators of these acts is established, which requires the fulfillment of the essential legal elements necessary for such liability to arise, followed by determining the applicable penalties in the event that criminal responsibility is established. The study ultimately concludes, through its findings and recommendations, that protecting children from digital exploitation aims to provide a safe environment and ensure special care for children, while safeguarding their privacy due to their inability to consent to media exposure. Such exposure may result in future consequences affecting them after reaching the legal age. This approach further reflects the Saudi legislator’s commitment to protecting children from exploitation and abuse, as well as to safeguarding public security and social stability. Although the Saudi legislator has demonstrated considerable attention in establishing comprehensive provisions related to children’s rights and the prevention of their exploitation, the researcher proposes amending Article (5) of the Audio-Visual Media Law No. (M/33) issued in 1439 AH by adding an explicit paragraph prohibiting the photographing and dissemination of children through social media platforms, and incorporating this prohibition as one of the content-related restrictions expressly stipulated within the article governing media content standards.