Saudi Arabia has warned online media and websites that they could be shut down if they offended Islam, abused people or insulted community traditions.

Abdul Aziz Al Melham, the culture and information ministry spokesperson, said that the country would decisively deal with those who affront Saudi Arabia or its citizens.

He added that sites that target the Islamic faith and the Prophet, and attack the customs and traditions of the Saudi society and compromising the security of the homeland culd be shut down.

He said that the ministry supports all online news sites and deals with them based on the principle of 'responsible freedom,' Gulf News reports.

According to the report, under Saudi regulations, no pre-censorship is imposed on online news sites, but editors are held responsible for the posted content and information.