It is reported that the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoTIT) requires foreign test reports, including electromagnetic compatibility results such as CE reports, as part of its mandatory type-approval process for products entering the Yemeni market and complying with local telecommunications and safety requirements. Approval is based on the review of these foreign test reports, and Yemen is understood to accept documentation demonstrating compliance with the EU Radio Equipment Directive, together with CE declarations of conformity, as sufficient evidence. Although a declaration of conformity must be submitted, in-country testing is reportedly not required. The categories of devices subject to MoTIT type approval include mobile and cellular devices, mobile wireless communication equipment, radio-frequency devices, Internet of Things products, wireless-enabled consumer electronics, GPS units, wearable technologies and short-range devices. However, the specific legislative instrument containing these requirements has not been identified.

Yemen has a telecommunications authority, the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoTIT), which, however, is not fully independent from the government in its decision-making process. Since 2014, the country has undergone an administrative division, resulting in the coexistence of two separate governing authorities. The Internationally Recognised Government (IRG) operates from Aden, while the De Facto Authorities (DFA), based in Sana’a, oversee much of northern Yemen. Both entities maintain parallel institutional structures, including ministries, regulatory bodies, and revenue systems. As a result, the telecommunications sector is now institutionally divided, with two distinct institutions.

Art. 53 of Law No. 13 of 2012 regarding the Right of Access to Information states that personal data must not be shared with any state or third party that lacks equivalent legal measures to protect privacy.

Yemen has not joined any agreement with binding commitments to open transfers of data across borders.

Law No. 13 of 2012 regarding the Right of Access to Information establishes a comprehensive framework for data protection in Yemen. It delineates individuals’ rights to access information, the corresponding obligations of organisations to uphold these rights, and the requirement for the appointment of a designated officer within organisations to oversee the collection and use of personal data. In addition, it prescribes security standards for safeguarding information and sets out specific organisational responsibilities regarding the handling of personal information.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability for copyright infringement is absent in Yemen's law and jurisprudence.

A basic legal framework on intermediary liability beyond copyright infringement is absent in Yemen's law and jurisprudence.

It is reported that mobile network operators are required to collect and store a user's personal information and proof of identity for SIM registration. The relevant legislation could not be found.

It is reported that access to certain news websites, VoIP services, VPNs, and social media platforms in Yemen has been restricted since 2014. Several domestic and international news outlets, including Al-Masdar Online, Khabar Agency, Mareb Press, Al-Wahdawi Net, Al-Eshteraky.Net, Al-Arabiya, Al-Jazeera, and Al-Arabi Al-Jadid, have reportedly been blocked and remain inaccessible to users in parts of the country. Moreover, Yemen has experienced recurring restrictions on social media, VPNs, and VoIP services. For instance, since 2017, WhatsApp has been intermittently blocked. Similarly, in 2022 and 2023, the state-owned telecommunications company YemenNet reportedly blocked several communication platforms, including Zoom, Google Meet, Imo, Google Duo, and Signal, thereby limiting access to online communication services.

Yemen does not have a standardised licensing framework for telecommunications services. Law No. 38 of 1991 Pertaining to Wired and Wireless Telecommunications, which is the main law regulating the telecom sector, has reportedly become outdated and inadequate for regulating modern technologies and mobile services. According to Art. 23, no person may establish a wireless transmission station or install or operate any wireless equipment within the territory of Yemen unless duly authorised or licensed under the Law. However, there is no framework available to grant this authorisation. The law also establishes that the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MoTIT) is responsible for ensuring the provision of telecommunications services throughout the Republic of Yemen, and it is empowered to license and authorise any natural or legal person to establish, operate, or use telecommunications networks within Yemen or between Yemen and other countries (Art. 3).
Since 2014, the country has experienced an administrative division of MoTIT, resulting in the coexistence of two separate governing authorities within MoTIT with overlapping mandates, namely the Internationally Recognised Government (IRG) in Aden and the De Facto Authorities (DFA) in Sana’a. Each authority has issued its own resolutions and decisions, such as the DFA’s Cabinet Resolution No. 7 of 2015 on mobile operator licensing and Decision No. 168 of 2016 on telecommunications numbering management, leading to inconsistent and at times conflicting regulatory practices within the country. This resulted in fragmentation and a lack of transparency. It is reported that private operators are regulated through individual, asymmetrical licensing agreements that are often outdated, inconsistently renewed, and issued without clear or transparent procedures, further contributing to regulatory uncertainty.

Yemen has not appended the World Trade Organization (WTO) Telecom Reference Paper to its schedule of commitments.

It is reported that foreign patent applicants are required to file their applications through an attorney or agent registered in Yemen. Moreover, a power of attorney duly legalised by a Yemeni consulate must be submitted either at the time of filing or within two months from the date of filing the patent application in the country.

It is reported that all patent applications must be submitted in Arabic. The filing of patent applications in a foreign language is generally not permitted.

Yemen is not a party to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Yemen has a copyright regime under Law No. 15 of 2012 on the Protection of Copyright and Related Rights. However, the exceptions do not follow a fair use or fair dealing model, thereby limiting lawful third-party use. Arts. 40–46 list exceptions, including personal use (copying, translation, quotation, or TV viewing); library and educational copying for study, research, preservation, or replacement; and making a backup copy of computer software.