Saudi Arabia is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world. It has a population of over 29 million people, making it one of the largest Arab countries. Its rapid development and modernization have led to an increase in data storage and processing requirements. As such, Saudi Arabia faces unique challenges when it comes to protecting the privacy rights and protecting its critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. In addition, information and communication technologies (ICT) have also made it possible for individuals to collect and disseminate data in hitherto unimaginable ways. In Saudi Arabia, for example, social media platforms have allowed men and women to share photographs and videos that describe privacy. As a result, individuals have become significantly more vulnerable to privacy disturbances and cyber-crimes.
The National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) was Established according to royal on 11/2/1439 AH. It was established to become the specialized authority in cybersecurity in the Kingdom, as well as the national reference for it. It aims to promote cybersecurity in the Kingdom. In addition, it seeks to protect the vital interests of the state, its national security, sensitive infrastructure, high-priority sectors, government services, and activities. However, this does not relieve any public or private entity of its responsibilities towards its cyber security in a way that does not conflict with the functions and tasks of the authority.
Definitions:
Abbreviations:
- (ICT): Information and communication technologies
- (NCA): The National Cybersecurity Authority
- (MCI): Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- (MCIT): Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
Practical Guidance:
Cyber Security in Saudi Arabia:
The NCA’S law defines cyber security as: “Protecting networks, information technology systems, operational technology systems, and their hardware and software components, the services they provide, and the data they contain, from any penetration, disruption, modification, entry, use, or illegal exploitation. This concept covers information security, electronic security, digital security, and the like.” In addition, the authority has cooperated with other competent authorities to issue a ‘personal data law’.
A ‘Cybercrime’ is identified as “a criminal activity that involves attacking or trying to attack computer systems and networks.” Cybercrime can range from simple crimes, such as information theft, to more severe attacks, such as disrupting or destroying a computer system. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the types of data collected, how they are used, and how privacy is protected in Saudi Arabia.
Individuals’ Personal Information and Data Privacy:
Data privacy is an important issue that must be taken into account when designing and implementing cyber-security measures by following appropriate laws and regulations. Saudi Arabia has taken steps to ensure that citizens’ data is protected. For example, in 2013, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI) announced that it was coordinating with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) to establish a Data Protection Authority. They established a Data Protection Authority, which is responsible for ensuring that companies comply with data protection regulations. It also monitors cyberattacks on businesses and other public institutions.
The Concept and Scope of Personal Data Protection:
It is: "every statement - whatever its source or form - that would lead to identification an individual in person or make him/her possible to be identified directly or indirectly. This would include his/her name, personal identification number, addresses, contact numbers, license numbers, records, personal property, bank account numbers, credit cards, fixed or animated photos, and other types of personal data”. Therefore, personal data applies exclusively to the person him/herself and not other legal or public personalities. The concept covers different types of information, in any form, that lead to knowing a person's identity. So, as soon as it becomes clear to whom this information is related, as well as it leads to knowing a particular person, this would be under the legal consideration of the concept of protected personal data. It is based on two criteria:
1. Direct Standard: Is the information that leads to the identification of a person in particular, such as (but not limited to) national address, national identification number, personal photos or video clips, IP address, cookies, and personal bar code.
2. Indirect criterion: The partial information combined with other information leads to the identification of a person in particular, such as (but not limited to) merging a person’s work number with his home address.
The Concept of Personal Data Processing and Scope of its Protection:
The strategic goal of any personal database is to convert these data into sales figures or transform them into meaningful information that works to solve an existing problem. The term ‘processing’ means using this data in any way or form. The practical definition of data processing usually includes all the operations that were performed on them. Data disclosure, management, usage, and collection are four examples of this. The Saudi regulator defined the term ‘processing’ as: “Any process that is performed on personal data by any means, manual or automated, including collecting, recording, saving, indexing, and arranging operations, coordination, storing, altering, updating, merging, retrieving, using, disclosing, transferring, publishing, data sharing or interconnecting, blocking, erasing, and destruction.” Accordingly, the system and law apply to any process of processing personal data related to persons inside the Kingdom by any means and regardless of the method used to treat it (processing it), whether on paper or technically.
Conclusion:
The Saudi Arabian government has taken steps to ensure that citizens’ data is protected. However, governments and businesses must pay careful attention to cyber-security issues to combat the risk of data privacy disturbances and cyberattacks. In Saudi Arabia, laws and regulations related to cybersecurity must be strictly followed. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties, including detention and fines. Businesses and governments can ensure that data are safe and secure by taking such measures.
Related Content:
- Saudi Arabia Royal Decree No. M19/1443 on the Approval of the Personal Data Protection Law
- Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 98/1443 on the Approval of the Personal Data Protection Law
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