Overview
Personal Data Disclosure Cases: Third: Disclosure is Requested by a Public Entity to Serve a Public Interest, for Security Purposes, to Implement Another Law, or to Fulfill Judicial Requirements addresses disclosure of Personal Data when a request is made by a public entity and the disclosure is required to serve a public interest, for security purposes, to implement another law, or to fulfill judicial requirements. It sets conditions related to necessity, documentation, safeguards, record-keeping, and data minimization.
SDAIA's Official Text
The text below reproduces official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline issued by the Saudi Data & AI Authority, verified against the original SDAIA source. No changes or reinterpretation applied.
Third: Disclosure is Requested by a Public Entity to Serve a Public Interest, for Security Purposes, to Implement Another Law, or to Fulfill Judicial Requirements
If the data disclosure request is made by a public entity, and the disclosure is required to serve a public interest, for security purposes, to implement another law, or to fulfill judicial requirements. The Controller shall document the disclosure request and precisely specify the type of personal data to be disclosed. When a public entity requests personal data disclosure to serve a public interest, it shall ensure that:
- Such disclosure is strictly necessary for a clearly defined public interest.
- The public interest is related to its statutory powers and duties.
- Appropriate measures are taken to mitigate any potential harm, including the implementation of necessary administrative and technical controls to ensure compliance of its personnel with the provisions of Article (41) of the Law.
- These processes are recorded in the personal data processing activities records.
- Only the minimum amount of personal data necessary to fulfill the purpose is collected and processed.
Plain-Language Explanation
The explanation below is provided to help you understand the SDAIA’s legal text and does not replace or override the official PDPL law, regulation, or guideline.
Public Entity Request and Purpose
This case applies where a public entity makes a disclosure request and the disclosure is required to serve a public interest, security purposes, implementation of another law, or fulfillment of judicial requirements. The disclosure must be connected to one of these specified grounds.
Documentation and Data Specification
The Controller is required to document the disclosure request and precisely specify the type of Personal Data to be disclosed. This ensures clarity regarding what data is requested and disclosed.
Necessity and Statutory Link
When disclosure is for a public interest, it must be strictly necessary for a clearly defined public interest, and that public interest must be related to the requesting entity’s statutory powers and duties.
Safeguards and Harm Mitigation
Record-Keeping and Data Minimization
The disclosure processes must be recorded in the personal data processing activities records. Disclosure must also be limited to collecting and processing only the minimum amount of Personal Data necessary to fulfill the stated purpose.
