KSA PDPL » Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO) Article 8 – DPO Roles & Tasks

Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO) Article 8 – DPO Roles & Tasks

This article is verified from SDAIA
halaprivacy.com
Athif Mohammed
Published: November 16, 2025
Updated: December 23, 2025

Overview

Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 8 defines the operational, advisory, and oversight responsibilities assigned to the DPO.

In addition to the statutory duties set out under Article 32 of the PDPL Implementing Regulation, this Article establishes concrete tasks covering policy development, training, breach preparedness, reporting, regulatory monitoring, and technology advisory support, ensuring that Controllers maintain sustained and practical compliance with Saudi data protection requirements.

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 8: DPO Roles & Tasks

DPO shall be responsible for performing tasks stated in Paragraph (3) of Article (32) of the Implementing Regulation of the Law, in addition to the following tasks:

Providing support and advice regarding all aspects of Personal Data protection, including contributing to developing policies and internal procedures related to Personal Data protection at Controller.

Participating in awareness activities, training and transfer of knowledge to Controller personnel regarding Personal Data protection and compliance with provisions of the Law, Implementing Regulations and ethics of data handling.

Contributing to reviewing plans of response to Personal Data Breach incidents, and ensuring that such plans are adequate and effective.

Preparing periodic reports regarding Controller activities related to processing of Personal Data, and providing recommendations to ensure compliance with provisions of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.

Following up on regulatory documents issued by the competent authority related to the protection of personal data, including any amendments, and inform the relevant departments to ensure compliance.

Providing support and advice to those responsible for developing and operating modern technological systems to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.

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 8

General Statutory Duties Reference

This provision confirms that the DPO’s responsibilities extend beyond the minimum duties listed under Article 32(3) of the PDPL Implementing Regulation. Article 8 supplements those statutory obligations by specifying additional operational and governance tasks that must be carried out within the Controller’s organization.

Article 8(1)

Policy and Procedure Advisory Role

This provision requires the DPO to actively support and advise the Controller on all aspects of personal data protection. This includes contributing to the development, review, and improvement of internal policies and procedures that govern how personal data is processed, protected, and managed across the organization.

Article 8(2)

Awareness, Training, and Knowledge Transfer

This provision assigns the DPO a role in building organizational awareness and capability. The DPO must participate in training initiatives and knowledge transfer activities to ensure that Controller personnel understand PDPL requirements, implementing regulations, and ethical standards related to personal data handling.

Article 8(3)

Personal Data Breach Preparedness

This provision requires the DPO to contribute to the review of personal data breach response plans. The DPO must assess whether such plans are adequate, effective, and capable of supporting timely containment, notification, and remediation in the event of a breach.

Article 8(4)

Periodic Reporting and Compliance Recommendations

This provision obligates the DPO to prepare periodic reports on the Controller’s personal data processing activities. These reports must include practical recommendations aimed at strengthening compliance with the PDPL and its Implementing Regulations and addressing identified gaps or risks.

Article 8(5)

Regulatory Monitoring and Internal Communication

This provision requires the DPO to monitor regulatory documents issued by the Competent Authority, including updates and amendments. The DPO must ensure that relevant internal departments are informed of regulatory developments so that necessary compliance actions are taken in a timely manner.

Article 8(6)

Technology and Systems Advisory Support

This provision assigns the DPO an advisory role in relation to modern technological systems. The DPO must support and advise teams responsible for designing, developing, or operating technology systems to ensure that such systems comply with PDPL requirements and implementing regulatory obligations.

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