Overview
Personal Data Destruction, Anonymization, and Pseudonymisation Guideline – Introduction explains how organizations subject to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) must handle personal data once it is no longer required. Issued by SDAIA, this guideline clarifies when personal data must be destroyed or anonymized, and provides examples of techniques, including anonymization and pseudonymisation, support compliance with PDPL Article 18 and Articles 8 and 9 of the Implementing Regulations.
It also emphasizes that the guideline is advisory in nature and does not replace the binding requirements of the Law and its Implementing Regulations.
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.
Introduction
In fulfillment of its mandate to raise awareness among entities subject to the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law, the “Law” and its Implementing Regulations, and to enable those entities to understand their obligations under Article (18) of the Law and Articles (8) and (9) of the Implementing Regulations, the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) has issued this Guideline to assist entities in determining the cases where personal data should be destroyed or anonymized. This Guideline also provides examples of techniques to aid in the destruction, anonymization and Pseudonymisation of personal data. The terms and phrases used in this Guideline shall be construed in accordance with the definitions provided in the Law and its Implementing Regulations. This Guideline shall not be considered a binding legal document, nor shall it substitute consulting the Law and its Implementing Regulations, which shall constitute the regulatory reference for all matters related to the application of the Law’s provisions.
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.
Regulatory Awareness Purpose
This guideline is issued to support entities subject to the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) by increasing awareness of their obligations relating to the end of personal data lifecycle activities. It focuses specifically on destruction, anonymization, and pseudonymisation as required regulatory outcomes when personal data is no longer needed for lawful purposes.
Legal Basis and Applicability
Destruction and Anonymization Triggers
Practical Techniques and Examples
Alignment With Legal Definitions
All terms and phrases used in the guideline are to be interpreted consistently with the definitions set out in the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations. This ensures uniform understanding and avoids conflicting interpretations across different regulatory instruments.
Non-Binding Nature of the Guideline
The introduction explicitly confirms that the guideline is not a binding legal instrument. It does not replace or override the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) or its Implementing Regulations, which remain the authoritative legal reference for compliance obligations related to personal data destruction, anonymization, and pseudonymisation.
