
Saudi banks banned from using WhatsApp for customer service
SAMA's decision aligns with its regulatory authority and commitment to enhancing financial institutions' security standards.
Banks are urged to adopt safer alternatives, such as in-app Live Chat or ChatBot services, while ensuring compliance with personal data protection requirements. Institutions must also educate employees across branches, customer service, and marketing on the new directives.
Also read: Saudi Arabia attracts 2.5 million sports tourists: Minister of Tourism

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Gulf Insider
08-08-2025
- Gulf Insider
EU Proposal To Scan All Private Messages Gains Momentum
A controversial European Union proposal dubbed 'Chat Control' is regaining momentum, with 19 out of 27 EU member states reportedly backing the measure. The plan would mandate that messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram, must scan every message, photo and video sent by users starting in October, even if end-to-end encryption is in place, popular French tech blogger Korben wrote on Monday. Denmark reintroduced the proposal on July 1, the first day of its EU Council presidency. France, once opposed, is now in favor, Korben said, citing Patrick Breyer, a former member of the European Parliament for Germany and the European Pirate Party. Belgium, Hungary, Sweden, Italy and Spain are also in favor, while Germany remains undecided. However, if Berlin joins the majority, a qualified council vote could push the plan through by mid-October, Korben said. A qualified majority in the EU Council is achieved when two conditions are met. First, at least 55 percent of member states, meaning 15 out of 27, must vote in favor. Second, those countries must represent at least 65% of the EU's total population. Instead of weakening encryption, the plan seeks to implement client-side scanning, meaning software embedded in users' devices that inspects content before it is encrypted. 'A bit like if the Post Office came to read all your letters in your living room before you put them in the envelope,' Korben said. He added that the real target isn't criminals, who use encrypted or decentralized channels, but ordinary users whose private conversations would now be open to algorithmic scrutiny. The proposal cites the prevention of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as its justification. However, it would result in 'mass surveillance by means of fully automated real-time surveillance of messaging and chats and the end of privacy of digital correspondence,' Breyer wrote. Beyond scanning, the package includes mandatory age verification, effectively removing anonymity from messaging platforms. Digital freedom groups are asking citizens to contact their MEPs, sign petitions and push back before the law becomes irreversible. An infographic explaining the proposed EU Chat Control bill. Source: Patrick Breyer Last month, Telegram founder Pavel Durov warned that France risks societal collapse if it continues down a path of political censorship and regulatory overreach. Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 after being accused of failing to moderate his app to reduce criminality. He also alleged that French intelligence officials approached him earlier this year with requests to censor pro-conservative content ahead of the May 2025 Romanian election, a request he says he refused. Also read: Most Americans Reject Fall COVID Shot, Don't Trust CDC Or FDA On Vaccine Safety


Syyaha
23-07-2025
- Syyaha
Saudi Arabia's Hakbah Recognized by CNBC as one of World's Top Fintechs in 2025
Saudi Arabia's Hakbah was named one of the 'World's Top Fintechs in 2025' by CNBC for the company's growth track record, increase in savings among underbanked, and social impact using AI to modernize and digitize social savings in a way that helps build, enable and empower a new fully inclusive Saudi savings Hakbah app and digital platform was designed to make it fast, easy and safe for residents to participate in and benefit from Jameya group savings programs, a traditional and culturally important practice that helps individuals and families increase savings habits as well as answer short special which is permitted by the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and operates within the Regulatory Sandbox, has surpassed more than 1.3 million registered users with more than 70 percent coming from a youth population that needs assistance building positive savings habits. Hakbah customers have reported using the fintech app to enable them to save for life-changing needs for themselves and their families that they previously couldn't afford. This includes things like paying for critical medical care, fertility treatments to start a family, wedding expenses, travel expense, university tuition and small AbuSaida, Hakbah Founder, said that bringing the social savings concept into the AI and digital age creates a far more practical and applicable new social savings culture while preserving the core purpose and cultural heritage of the social savings practice. He said that while supporting short financial needs, Hakbah helps build new savings habits among its users that have long-term benefit for them and their families while contributing to the financial stability of communities across the AbuSaida said: 'We greatly appreciate that such a highly respected international business organization like CNBC is recognizing the unique model we've created that marries the power of social savings and the Jameya concept to make a real and lasting impact on people's lives. What's equally important is that this is a validation of the Saudi Arabia and SAMA strategy to promote the creation of an ecosystem across the national financial community that encourages collaboration and partnership to help increase savings across all segments of the population as a high priority strategic goal in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.' Hakbah has established a range of strategic partnerships under this national vision with organizations including Riyad Bank, Fransi Bank, ANB, Alrajhi Bank, flynas and Tawuniya, the country's leading national insurance company that supports Hakbah users by providing life insurance throughout the term of their Jameya.


Gulf Insider
21-06-2025
- Gulf Insider
New Credit Card Rules In Saudi Arabia: Free E-Wallet Top-Ups, Lower Fees For Users
The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) has introduced new credit card regulations aimed at reducing consumer costs and increasing transparency. The updated rules, announced Thursday, will take effect within the next 30 to 90 days, according to Saudi Gazette . The revised guidelines set limits on fees for cash withdrawals and international purchases, standardize disclosure requirements, and mandate clearer communication between card issuers and customers. The move supports SAMA's efforts to enhance digital payments and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 goals. Cash withdrawal fees: Capped at 3% for amounts under SAR 2,500; maximum SAR 75 for SAR 2,500 or more. Capped at 3% for amounts under SAR 2,500; maximum SAR 75 for SAR 2,500 or more. International Transactions: Flat 2% fee on foreign purchases. Flat 2% fee on foreign purchases. E-Wallet top-ups: Now free when using credit cards. Now free when using credit cards. Excess deposits: Customers can withdraw funds paid above their credit limit anytime, without charges. Customers can withdraw funds paid above their credit limit anytime, without charges. Fee Disclosure: All fees must be clearly listed in a standardised format. All fees must be clearly listed in a standardised format. Cash withdrawal: 3% , up to SAR 75 , up to Late payment: SAR 50 Invalid dispute filing: SAR 25 International purchase: 2% Local POS and online payments: Free SAMA now requires credit card issuers to: Notify customers of any fee changes via SMS , with a 14-day window to cancel the card without penalty. , with a to cancel the card without penalty. Provide account statements via SMS and alert customers to every financial transaction. and alert customers to every financial transaction. Offer tools to calculate expected charges and estimate rewards before making purchases. and estimate rewards before making purchases. Give at least a 25-day grace period before late fees apply, allowing customers to pay their full balance without penalties. The regulations also standardize the presentation of fees, charges, and benefits within credit card agreements, making it easier for consumers to understand costs and terms. Under previous rules, cash withdrawals were charged SAR 75 for transactions up to SAR 5,000 and 3% (capped at SAR 300) for larger amounts. The new SAR 75 cap now applies to all high-value withdrawals, making the terms more favorable for users. Invalid transaction disputes and account statement requests will now incur a SR 25 fee. These changes follow SAMA's collaboration with international card networks to reassess transaction costs, part of a broader effort to modernize the Kingdom's payment infrastructure and expand digital financial services. It provides clarity on consumer protections: These points highlight the conditions under which credit cards can be issued, reinforcing SAMA's focus on transparency and responsible lending. They align with the updated rules: The details about card issuance, activation, fee notifications, and transaction limits directly correspond to the new framework that aims to standardize and protect credit card users. It rounds out the customer experience: While the main story focuses on fees and benefits, this section gives a complete view of what consumers can expect at every stage—from applying for a card to making payments and receiving statements. It's informative and policy-driven: Including this section adds credibility and comprehensiveness, especially for financial or regulatory reporting.