Saudi Arabia has issued a SR9,000 fine against a man who used artificial intelligence to alter a personal photograph and republished it without the consent of the original owner, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) confirmed.
Authorities said the case is one of the country’s first reported penalties tied to AI misuse under copyright law. The man had modified a private image using AI tools and then exploited it commercially, a move the agency ruled as a direct breach of Saudi copyright rules.
The process began when the copyright holder lodged a complaint. Investigators examined the evidence, questioned the accused, and allowed him to present his defense. A specialized committee later confirmed the violation and imposed the financial penalty.
In its statement, SAIP underscored that manipulating or republishing personal content through AI without approval does not shield violators from accountability. The agency also reminded the public that penalties under the law can include both fines and other legal consequences designed to protect creators and deter further misuse.
