The_Stig

Rumor has it that Saudi officials are now scanning every computer that comes into 'the kingdom' for illicit materials such as porn and pirated software etc. and confiscating computers and other electronic devices carrying anything that comes on their list.

Is this true?
If so does their list include copied music e,g ITUNES ??

nottmbantam

I've flown in and out of Saudi about four times in the last year and a half or so, and have never had my laptop checked. Last time I flew in was mid August, about two weeks ago.

However, to be on the safe side, I would definitely delete anything explicit. I did recently hear they were having a clampdown on illegal software, so maybe just to be on the safe side, make sure anything installed is legit.

But, as I say, I've never had a problem, and have not heard of anyone else's laptop being checked either. Having said that, my wife does know of a friend of hers that had a 'Silver Bullet' in her suitcase. The Saudi's stopped her, searched her case, but let her on her way, as they didn't know what it was.

The Dean

It's phucking phalse actually - don't worry.

The Dean

Don't be surprised if some stupid ignorant moron now comes on here and asks what a 'silver bullet' is.......

Better just to explain now, in order to prevent such a fool making a complete idiot of himself..........

Bonny Boy

I fly into Saudi (Jeddah) about every 2 weeks, last time being a week ago, and I have never once had anything checked.

...but of course they could choose to do so at any time, and the consequences are best avoided.

ctfc

"Every computer" - fable

"Some computers" - fact

I've flown in and out of Saudi many times and was never personally checked but do know of a number of people (first hand, not 'rumoured') who had laptops scanned and in particular external hard drives which seem to attract more attention.

In those cases it wasn't pirated software they were looking for but "immoral" pictures/videos. Best delete that copy of Debbie Does Dallas from your hard drive just in case it's you who gets stopped.

Dry as Dust

A couple of years ago I flew into Riyadh on a business trip to give a presentation which was stored on an external hard drive. Drive was confiscated for investigation and we were told it would be returned later. We explained we needed it there and then - so we were ushered into a room full of computer bits (hard drives, flash drives etc) which had obviousle also been confiscated for checking, and a couple of guys checking them out. We got the drive back after about an hour.

andrewpops

One of our guys had his hard drive checked and also checked every CD he had with him about 2 years ago. He was pulled up by customs for bringing a replica firearm (work related not personal). The moral being is if there is another problem i.e. visa/passport/goods they'll probably check your computer and/or storage media. I've been into Saudi over 20 times and never had my computer checked.

The_Stig

Thanks for the info.
I'll be sure not to bring the external drive with last years rugby xmas party photos on it !! lol

seven seas

I don't know what it is because my wife doesn't need one....

Tooterelli

What's a silver bullet? What's a phable?

The_Stig

A phable, is a spelling inaccuracy on my behalf as I could not decide whether to use 'fable' or 'parable' to title the post. Both being stories giving a moral lesson. (The stories are made up)

Fables give the story through the use of inanimate objects / animals / forces of nature expressing human qualities etc (inanimate objects being customs officials in this case)
The moral being Saudi Customs officials check every thing that with electronic storage space that comes into the country, and will take your computer/phone/camera/ipod off you, put you in Jail and then deport you, given any excuse, so don't give them an excuse.

(As highlighted by other posts, this notion falls into myth category as it is loosely based on the truth)

As for a silver bullet, isn't that what people use to kill werewolves??

Desert Shaikh

I think a pink bullet would have probably been more suspect