X Reverses Course, Geoblocks 60+ Saudi Dissident Accounts at Kingdom's Request

X geoblocked over 60 Saudi dissident accounts inside the kingdom since mid-July, citing obligations under Saudi local law. Those affected include ALQST founder Yahya Assiri and US-based activist Abdullah Alaoudh. X had previously refused such Saudi requests, saying it "strongly believes in defending and respecting the voice of our users." Meta, Snapchat, and YouTube have also blocked dissident accounts under similar orders.