Latest news with #ExecutiveOrder13338
Jordan News
19 hours ago
- Business
- Jordan News
For the First Time Since 2004: Google Removes Syria from Sanctions List and Resumes Advertising Services - Jordan News
Google has announced the removal of Syria from the sanctions list imposed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), effective August 13, allowing the resumption of the company's advertising services in the country for the first time since 2011. اضافة اعلان In a policy update statement, the company noted that the change included an update to its "Understanding Country Restrictions" help page, removing Syria from the list of restricted regions. The remaining restricted areas now include only Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics. Lifting Restrictions on Key Platforms The decision lifts restrictions on three major Google platforms: Google Ads Google Ad Exchange Google Ad Manager Previously, these platforms blocked targeting users in Syria or creating accounts from IP addresses located within the country. Google stated that Syrian publishers and advertisers will need to recover their accounts through manual verification procedures. This will involve submitting official documents, verifying identity, and agreeing to updated terms of service. Background of the Sanctions Google's restrictions on Syria were originally based on Executive Order 13338, signed by former U.S. President George W. Bush in 2004. These restrictions were further expanded after the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011, encompassing limitations on financial and technological services, according to Now, removing Syria from the sanctions list opens new doors for the local market of over 22 million people, giving them renewed access to digital marketing services—despite the country's weakened and war-damaged infrastructure. Opportunities and Challenges According to international telecom estimates, internet penetration in Syria stands at around 34%, with widespread reliance on smartphones. This makes mobile advertising one of the most promising channels, despite ongoing economic challenges. Regional advertising trends suggest modest initial investments, with growth potential hinging on economic stability and infrastructure development. Google's broader advertising policy updates emphasize privacy protection and emerging ad formats, both of which could shape the evolution of the Syrian market. Additionally, Google confirmed that advertisers in Syria will be subject to the same global ad policies, including restrictions on misleading content and inappropriate materials. Regional Context This decision coincides with a broader trend of digital transformation in the Middle East. Neighboring markets such as Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey have witnessed notable growth in digital advertising in recent years. The removal of restrictions on Syria is expected to open opportunities for both local and international companies to access new consumer segments, driving innovation and potential growth in the Syrian digital economy.
The Star
30-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
2nd LD: Trump signs executive order terminating Syria sanctions: White House
WASHINGTON, June 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order terminating Syria sanctions, according to the White House website. Trump "signed a historic Executive Order terminating the Syria sanctions program to support the country's path to stability and peace," the White House said in a fact sheet. "The Order removes sanctions on Syria while maintaining sanctions on Bashar al-Assad... The Order permits the relaxation of export controls on certain goods and waives restrictions on certain foreign assistance to Syria," said the White House. Under the order, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is directed to "explore avenues for sanctions relief at the United Nations to support stability in Syria." Syria has been designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the United States since December 1979. Additional sanctions and restrictions were added in May 2004 with the issuance of Executive Order 13338, while in May 2011, the U.S. government imposed additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Syrian economy. In remarks to an investment forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on May 13, Trump announced that he planed to lift sanctions on Syria.
