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Ensuring Compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law

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 The Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) came into force on September 14, 2023, offering businesses a one-year transition period to comply with its provisions. With its broad extraterritorial scope, companies worldwide must recognize its relevance and take appropriate action to ensure compliance. The PDPL's Regulatory Framework The PDPL, introduced by Royal Decree M/19 on September 16, 2021, aims to safeguard personal data within Saudi Arabia. It applies not only to businesses operating within the Kingdom but also to those that handle the personal data of Saudi residents, regardless of their location. To fully understand the law's reach and compliance requirements, businesses must familiarize themselves with the regulatory guidelines established by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Personal Data and Sensitive Personal Data Under the PDPL, personal data refers to any information that can identify an individual, such as names, contact details,...

Saudi Arabia Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL): Key Insights and Implications

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 In a world where data is considered a key commodity, it has become more paramount than ever to protect personal information. In appreciation of this, Saudi Arabia recently initiated its Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of individual data. This paper explores the essential features of PDPL, how it affects organizations, and makes a comparison with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. Overview of Saudi Arabia’s PDPL The PDPL was enacted precisely to regulate the processing of personal data in Saudi Arabia. Its main objectives are as follows: Ensure privacy of personal data : Protect people’s information from unauthorized use or access. Regulate data processing activities : Establish clear guidelines for collecting, storing, and disseminating personal data. Avoid data misuse : Establish controls that would discourage activities that could lead to harming people because of data breaches or mishandling. The law appli...