KSA PDPL » Personal Data Breach Incidents Procedural Guide – Introduction

Personal Data Breach Incidents Procedural Guide – Introduction

This article is verified from SDAIA
halaprivacy.com
Athif Mohammed
Published: November 15, 2025
Updated: December 23, 2025

Overview

Personal Data Breach Incidents Procedural Guide – Introduction: Issued by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) provides a structured framework for managing personal data breach incidents under the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations. The Guide explains when and how Controllers must notify SDAIA and affected Data Subjects, clarifies breach response obligations, and sets out procedural steps to reduce risks, mitigate harm, and ensure regulatory compliance.

It supports Controllers in responding to breaches in a timely, consistent, and legally compliant manner, while safeguarding Data Subject rights (DSR) and maintaining trust in data processing activities within 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.

Introduction

Within the framework of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) in supporting the Controller in adhering to the provisions of the Personal Data Protection Law issued by Royal Decree No. (M/19) dated 09/02/1443 AH, amended by Royal Decree No. (M/148) dated 05/09/1444 AH, and its Implementing Regulations, which state that if the Controller knows about any personal data breaches, it shall notify SDAIA in accordance with the conditions set forth in the Regulations, along with notifying the Data Subjects if this incident harms their data or conflicts with their rights or interests. SDAIA prepared this Guide in order to outline the necessary procedures to deal with personal data breaches and reduce the consequences and risks influencing Data Subjects in accordance with 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.

Purpose of the Guide

This Guide is issued to support Controllers in meeting their legal obligations when personal data breaches occur. It translates the requirements of the PDPL and its Implementing Regulations into practical procedures that can be followed during breach incidents, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Regulatory Notification Obligations

The PDPL and its Implementing Regulations require Controllers to notify SDAIA when they become aware of a personal data breach, subject to defined conditions. Where a breach may harm personal data or conflict with the rights or interests of Data Subjects, the Controller must also notify the affected individuals. The Guide clarifies these notification triggers and reinforces the importance of timely reporting.

Protection of Data Subject Rights (DSR)

A central objective of the Guide is to reduce harm to Data Subjects by ensuring that breaches are identified, assessed, and addressed promptly. By requiring notification and structured response measures, the Guide aims to protect personal data and uphold the rights guaranteed under the PDPL.

Risk Reduction and Incident Management

The Guide establishes procedural steps to manage breach incidents in a way that limits legal, operational, and reputational risks. These procedures help Controllers contain incidents, assess their impact, implement corrective actions, and prevent recurrence, in line with regulatory expectations.

Alignment with the PDPL Framework

All procedures outlined in the Guide are grounded in the PDPL and its Implementing Regulations. This ensures that breach response activities are not only operationally effective but also legally defensible, consistent with SDAIA’s supervisory role and national data governance objectives.

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