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Saudi Arabia

Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 2021

Middle East🔵 Substantial
Compliance Score
86%
12 Addressed
2 Partial
0 None

Authority

Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA)

Overview

Saudi Arabia's PDPL, effective 2023, applies to processing of personal data within Saudi Arabia and extraterritorially. SDAIA oversees enforcement. The law includes data localisation provisions and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance.

14-Topic Coverage Analysis

Data Protection Authority
Addressed
Consent Requirements
Addressed
Data Subject Rights
Addressed
Cross-Border Transfer
Addressed
Breach Notification
Addressed
DPO Requirements
Addressed
Children's Data
Addressed
Penalties & Enforcement
Addressed
Sector-Specific Rules
Partial
Cookie/Tracking
Addressed
AI & Automated Decisions
Addressed
Data Localisation
Addressed
Significant Data Fiduciary
Addressed
Government Data
Partial

? Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary data protection law in Saudi Arabia?+
Saudi Arabia is governed by the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 2021. The law is enforced by the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA). According to our analysis, the country has a Substantial level of data protection framework.
Does Saudi Arabia require a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?+
Yes, under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 2021, organizations are generally required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) or a similar privacy officer to ensure compliance.
What are the data localisation rules in Saudi Arabia?+
Yes, Saudi Arabia has strict data localisation requirements. The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 2021 may require certain types of personal data to be stored within the country's borders.
What are the breach notification requirements in Saudi Arabia?+
Under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 2021, organizations must notify the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) and affected individuals without undue delay in the event of a personal data breach.