Job Discussion Forums

damok · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 3

I'm about to take up a contract with BAE in Saudi (Riyadh). Having never been there before, I'm wondering if I need to be concerned with content on my computer. Will my computer be turned on and harddrives (external/external or Ipod) be checked?

Also, is all internet censored or do companies (like BAE) provide uncensored internet?

Thanks in advance,
Damo

wildfire · Joined: 01 Oct 2005 Posts: 37

just act normal all that porn wont be found

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 2:38 pm Post subject:

I've not heard of anyone having their computers examined on arrival in KSA, though it's certainly not out of the question that it could happen. However, I think you'd have to be pretty unlucky to have them go through everything - these days, most baggage, including computers, is more or less waved through with only a cursory inspection.

Regarding internet, unless you or your company shell out for satellite service (very expensive) you will be going through the Saudi censors. To be honest, however - as I and others pointed out in a previous post on this subject - it's not really much of a problem. Unless, that is, you can't live without online porn and Arabic language political and religious sites. The often slow and lousy dial-up and DHL services are much more of an issue.

Dr WHO · Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 5

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

They used to confiscate CDs. I've never known them look at the HD. If you have anything you want to save just encrypt it.

caliph · Joined: 05 Jun 2006 Posts: 218 Location: Iceland

You should be able to get past internet censors by subscribing to a proxy breaker site like "silent surf" or "mega proxy" among others. (sign up before going abroad) People still are able to use free telephone services like Skype.com by using something called a "web tunnel".

If you're persistant, there's not much they (censors) can do to limit you. Hackers are always a couple of steps ahead of the the censors.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:55 pm Post subject:

also in saudi · Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 137

Many compounds provide satellite internet via DSL to their residents. These feeds are often uncensored. They may lack adequate bandwidth, though, and be extremely slow (much slower than dialup). All dialup service would be through Saudi Telecom (or Mobily, the competing cellular provider) and censored.