Heart Emoji banned in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia: authorities cite cultural concern

In Kuwait or Saudi Arabia, sending a girl a heart emoji via Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, or any other social media site will be regarded as a dissolute act that is punishable by law.

Anyone who engages in such behavior will face a two to five-year prison sentence in Saudi Arabia as well as a fine of one 1,00,000 Riyals. Saudi Cybercrime Expert claims that sending red hearts on WhatsApp could be considered as “harassment” under the jurisdiction.

Al Moataz Kutbi, a member of the anti-Fraud Association in Saudi Arabia, stated, “Certain images and expressions during a conversation may turn into harassment crime if a lawsuit is filled by aggrieved party.”

If the same behavior is repeated, a person will be required to pay a 3,00,000 Riyal fine and serve approximately five years in prison.

As per Kuwaiti lawyer Haya Al Shalahi, “those convicted of this offence can face up to two years in prison along with a fine not exceeding 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars.”