
Personal Data Protection Law (Saudi Arabia)

The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) was enacted on September 13, 2021 and is the first data protection law in Saudi Arabia. The law aims to safeguard the personal data of individuals residing in Saudi Arabia. It regulates the collection, processing, and sharing of personal information. The PDPL ensures the rights of individuals are respected and their data is handled with care. The law requires businesses and organizations that collect, process, or store personal data to implement stringent measures for its protection. The law emphasizes explicit consent from data subjects, meaning that businesses must obtain clear and affirmative approval from individuals before using their data. It grants individuals several rights that enable them to maintain control over their data, including the right to access and correction. The PDPL came into effect on September 14, 2023. Full enforcement began on September 14, 2024.