The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has released new guidelines aimed at tackling the growing risks of deepfakes, while encouraging responsible innovation.
The document, titled ‘Deepfakes Guidelines: Mitigating Risks While Fostering Innovation,’ defines deepfakes as content altered using deep learning and highlights the increasing difficulty of distinguishing manipulated media from reality as these technologies become more accessible.
While recognizing the potential benefits of deepfake technology in areas such as education, healthcare, and entertainment, SDAIA cautions that it also poses serious risks, including financial fraud, identity impersonation, and the dissemination of misinformation.
The document highlights dangerous practices where voice and facial impersonation are used to bypass traditional security methods, emphasizing the potential for severe social and humanitarian consequences.
To mitigate these risks, the document mandates that developers and creators adhere to strict ethical and regulatory standards. These include protecting personal data, obtaining explicit consent, and implementing technical safeguards such as digital watermarks and source verification.
SDAIA advances global AI ethics and governance frameworks
Furthermore, SDAIA has strengthened the ethical and responsible use of AI through comprehensive regulatory frameworks and quality initiatives.
In alignment with the Kingdom’s Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026, SDAIA is promoting global awareness of AI ethics and deepfake risks, collaborating with the UNESCO-affiliated International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh.
According to the statement, “On the international stage, SDAIA and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World, a framework unanimously approved by 53 member states to guide AI development in alignment with Islamic values.”
Additionally, SDAIA collaborated on the first international report on AI safety, providing global recommendations to mitigate risks and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in international AI governance.
