Overview
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO) Article 1 establishes the formal definitions applicable to these Rules under the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). It clarifies that terms used in the Rules follow the definitions set out in PDPL Article 1 and Implementing Regulation Article 1, unless expressly defined otherwise.
The Article also introduces specific definitions relevant to DPO appointment, including the Competent Authority (SDAIA), the Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO), and Core Activities, ensuring consistent interpretation and application of DPO obligations across Controllers in the Kingdom.
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.
Article 1: Definitions
- The terms and phrases mentioned herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in Article (1) of Personal Data Protection Law, hereinafter referred to as the “Law”, issued pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 09/02/1443 AH and amended pursuant to Royal Decree No. (M/148) dated 05/09/1444 AH and Article (1) of the Implementing Regulations of the Law, unless they have a specific definition herein.
- The following terms and phrases, wherever mentioned herein, shall have the meanings ascribed thereto, unless the context requires otherwise:
- Competent Authority: Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA).
- Data Protection Officer (DPO): One or more natural persons appointed by Controller to be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the provisions of the Law and its Implementing Regulations, overseeing procedures applicable by Controller, and receiving requests relate to Personal Data in accordance with provisions of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.
- Core activities: Activities conducted by the Controller to achieve its core objectives.
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.
Article 1(1)
Legal Reference
This provision establishes that all undefined terms used in these Rules follow the meanings provided in Article 1 of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and Article 1 of its Implementing Regulations. This ensures legal consistency across the PDPL framework and avoids conflicting interpretations unless a term is expressly defined within these Rules.
Article 1(2)
Context-Specific Interpretation
Article 1(3)
Competent Authority
The Competent Authority is defined as the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA). This confirms SDAIA’s regulatory role in issuing, supervising, and enforcing the Rules related to the appointment of Personal Data Protection Officers (DPOs).
Article 1(4)
Data Protection Officer (DPO)
The Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO) is defined as one or more natural persons appointed by the Controller. The DPO’s responsibilities include monitoring compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations, overseeing internal data protection procedures, and receiving requests related to personal data in accordance with the PDPL framework.
