Overview
Personal Data Breach Incidents Procedural Guide – Definitions section of the Personal Data Breach Incidents Procedural Guide clarifies the key terms used throughout the Guide by directly referencing the meanings established under the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations. This ensures consistent interpretation, avoids ambiguity during breach response activities, and aligns incident handling procedures with SDAIA’s regulatory framework.
Where terms are not expressly defined in the PDPL, specific definitions are provided to support accurate application of the Guide.
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.
Definitions
The following words and expressions shall have the meanings mentioned thereto in the definitions included in the Personal Data Protection Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 09/02/1443 AH, and amended by Royal Decree No. (M/148) dated 5/9/1444 AH and implementing regulations thereof. The following words and shall have the meanings mentioned thereto unless the context requires otherwise:
- Guide: Procedural Guide for Handling Personal Data Breach Incidents.
- SDAIA: Saudi Data & AI Authority
- 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.
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.
Reliance on PDPL Definitions
This Guide adopts the definitions established under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations as the primary reference point. This approach ensures that all breach response actions are interpreted consistently with the broader Saudi data protection legal framework.
Role of Context
1. Guide
2. Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA)
3. Data Protection Officer (DPO)
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) plays a central role in breach management by overseeing compliance, monitoring internal procedures, and acting as a point of contact for matters related to personal data protection. The definition mirrors the PDPL and Implementing Regulations to ensure alignment between breach response duties and broader DPO obligations.
