THE Internet law that shocked us earlier has now been updated and simplified. Many requirements are said to have been removed, according to this Arab News report. But there still seems to be one rule that's sticks out as a sore thumb: Licenses will only be granted to Saudis. Nothing is clear yet, because it also mentions that permission can be applied by Saudis and expatriates. The report also doesn't explicitly mention if the proposed rule of government-approved editors-in-chief has been repealed. Excerpts:

The Minister, Abdul Aziz Khoja, posted on the micro-blogging website Twitter on Sunday that the new law was developed based on the opinions of youths, who he said have updated views on new media.

Online media see this initiative as a positive move, while it is being regarded by other Internet users as a bid to control the Saudi blogosphere.

I really don't know why bloggers are bothering about it. It doesn't affect them at all.

The new system deleted a number of articles in the law that would have stipulated any person hoping to publish online needing to specify his or her age, needing to deliver a statement for good behavior, or the need to obtain publishing permission.

The ministry also extended the license period allowing writers to publish online from three to five years and stated that this gets renewed automatically unless the owner is informed otherwise.

A new article stated that this system would be implemented by the new Department of Electronic Media, while previously the system was to be implemented by the Department of Interior Media.

The law states that a license for publishing can only be issued to Saudis, even though both Saudis and expatriates with valid iqamas can actually apply for permission.

Arab News was not able to contact ministry spokesman Abdul Rahman Al-Hazza for clarification on this apparent contradiction.

Yes, it does seem a contradiction. But from what I can speculate, in the absence of a statement, is that 'permission' here refers to the option individual bloggers have in registering their blogs. This is only optional and not mandatory, and I think this is what is open to both Saudis and expatriates. This can never be mandatory, because authorities cannot regulate individual blogosphere. License however refers to online media and publishing websites that are larger than just individual blogs.

Online media have welcomed this system, with Sabq Online editor in chief Mohammad Al-Shihri saying that it has helped to specify the government body editors has to liaise with.

Al-Shihri hoped that the system would protect copyright and prevent stories from being used without credit by other publications.

If you're Saudi, then of course you would be happy about recognition and the benefits that come along with it. But shouldn't there also be equal opportunity for expatriates who are living in the kingdom? They too should have fair access to media to highlight their concerns.