Snapchat blocks Al Jazeera in Saudi Arabia for violating local laws

Qatar is in an ongoing dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Saudi authorities ask Snapchat to remove Al Jazeera content from its app. REUTERS/Thomas White/File Photo (REUTERS)

Snapchat has removed Al Jazeera content from its app in Saudi Arabia. The company said the decision was taken after it was asked by the Saudi authorities to do so.

The company revealed it was asked remove the Qatari-backed broadcaster's Discover Publisher Channel because it violated local laws, reports the BBC.

"We make an effort to comply with local laws in the countries where we operate," a Snapchat spokesperson said in a statement.

Qatar is in an ongoing dispute with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The four countries cut ties with Qatar earlier this year, accusing the country of supporting terrorism.

After the start of the dispute, Saudi Arabia had also demanded the Qatari government to shut Al Jazeera altogether as one of 13 conditions to remove sanctions against the country. However, those conditions were later withdrawn.