Saudi
Sovereignty.
Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) under SDAIA. The Kingdom's comprehensive framework for data sovereignty and privacy.
PDPL Framework
The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) came into force in September 2023, establishing Saudi Arabia's first comprehensive data protection framework. Administered by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
The law applies to any processing of personal data within Saudi Arabia, as well as processing outside the Kingdom if it relates to Saudi residents. It covers both public and private sector entities.
PDPL emphasizes data sovereignty with strict localization requirements for sensitive data, particularly governmental and health-related information.
Core Principles
Lawful Basis
Processing must have legitimate purpose and legal basis
Transparency
Clear disclosure of identity, purpose, and rights
Purpose Limitation
Data used only for specified collection purposes
Data Minimization
Limited to what is necessary for stated purposes
Accuracy
Ensure data is accurate, complete, and up to date
Security
Implement appropriate technical and organizational measures
Data Subject Rights
Right to Information
Know identity of controller and purpose of processing
Right to Access
Obtain copy of personal data being processed
Right to Correction
Request rectification of inaccurate data
Right to Destruction
Request deletion when no longer necessary
Right to Restriction
Limit processing in certain circumstances
Right to Complaint
Lodge complaints with competent authority
SDAIA Mandate
The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) serves as the comprehensive regulator for both data protection and AI governance. This unified approach positions Saudi Arabia uniquely in the global regulatory landscape.
Enforcement
Investigate violations and impose penalties
Registration
Maintain controller registration requirements
Guidance
Issue implementing regulations and guidelines
Cross-Border
Approve international data transfers
Compliance Requirements
Controller Registration
Entities processing personal data must register with SDAIA
Privacy Notice
Clear disclosure of processing purposes and data subject rights
Data Localization
Sensitive data must be stored within Saudi Arabia
Breach Notification
Report breaches to SDAIA and affected individuals
KSA-India Data Corridor
Navigate the complexities of data transfers between Saudi Arabia and India under PDPL and DPDPA frameworks.
Request KSA Briefing