Launch of Awareness Campaigns: SDAIA has introduced a series of awareness campaigns to educate the public about the Personal Data Protection Law, enacted by Royal Order No. (M/19) and updated by Royal Order No. (M/148), focusing on safeguarding personal data and enhancing privacy.
Implementation and Compliance: The law, effective from September 14, 2023, requires entities to comply within one year. SDAIA, through its National Data Management Office (NDMO), has been actively educating various demographics about the law’s requirements and data protection responsibilities.
Promoting Responsible Data Practices: The campaigns aim to build trust in electronic transactions, encourage responsible data sharing, and support a data-driven digital economy by improving service quality and fostering mutual trust between individuals and organizations.
Riyadh, September 7, 2024 – In a proactive move to bolster data privacy and security, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has unveiled a series of comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the Personal Data Protection Law. This legislation, formalized by Royal Order No. (M/19) dated 9/2/1443H, represents a significant advancement in the protection of personal information within Saudi Arabia.
SDAIA, tasked with overseeing the law's implementation and enforcement, is dedicated to ensuring the effective management of personal data, safeguarding individual privacy, and establishing stringent controls over data processing activities. The overarching goal of these campaigns is to enhance public trust in electronic transactions and mitigate adverse practices associated with personal data management.
The Personal Data Protection Law, which was amended by Royal Order No. (M/148) on 5/9/1444H, officially took effect on September 14, 2023 (29/2/1445H). Under the law, organizations subject to its regulations were allocated a transition period of up to one year to align their operations with the new standards, as stipulated in Article Three of the initial Royal Order.
Throughout the past year, SDAIA, through its National Data Management Office (NDMO), has launched a series of targeted awareness campaigns. These campaigns have been strategically designed to reach diverse demographics across different age groups and nationalities. Their primary objectives include informing the public about the stipulations of the Personal Data Protection Law, underscoring the importance of personal data stewardship, and clarifying the obligations of data controllers in protecting privacy.
The campaigns also emphasize the critical role of responsible data sharing, which enables individuals to access and benefit from enhanced services, thereby improving their overall quality of life. By fostering a culture of trust between individuals and organizations in handling personal data, these initiatives aim to stabilize transactions and advance the goals of a data-driven digital economy. SDAIA's efforts reflect a commitment to upholding data privacy standards and supporting the responsible use of information in the digital age.