Overview
Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (KSA PDPL) Article 3 ensures that the PDPL does not reduce or override any stronger rights or protections granted under other Saudi laws or international agreements. Whenever another law provides greater protection for Personal Data or stronger rights for the Data Subject, those higher protections continue to apply.
This guarantees that individuals always benefit from the most protective standard available across all applicable laws.
SDAIA's Official PDPL 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 3
The provisions and procedures stated in this Law shall not prejudice any provision that grants a right to the Data Subject or confers better protection to Personal Data pursuant to any other law or an international agreement to which the Kingdom is a party.
Plain-Language PDPL 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.
PDPL Article 3
Higher Protection Prevails
This provision explains that the PDPL does not override any rule that offers individuals stronger rights or greater protection for their personal data.
If another Saudi law or an international agreement grants better safeguards, those safeguards remain fully effective.
It ensures that individuals always benefit from the most protective legal standard available across applicable laws and agreements. The Article reinforces continuity of rights by stating that stronger protections are preserved even when the PDPL applies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, if a sector rule provides better protection for Personal Data or stronger rights for individuals, it remains effective. Article 3 is designed to preserve stronger safeguards, not weaken them.
No, the rule of thumb is the opposite, you should apply whichever rule gives better protection to the Data Subject. Article 3 is about preventing PDPL from being used to dilute stronger rights.
Not on its own, because Article 3 assumes other stronger protections may also apply. A safer rule is: commit to meeting Saudi PDPL and any higher protections that apply to your processing.
Article 3 does not reassign roles, it preserves stronger protections from other sources. In practice, Controllers and Processors should align their contracts and procedures so the higher protection can be followed where relevant.
No, if the international agreement gives better protection or stronger rights, Article 3 says those protections are not prejudiced by PDPL. A practical approach is to treat Saudi PDPL as the minimum and apply the higher standard where it applies.
No, Article 3 does not expand scope by itself, it preserves stronger protections when they are applicable. In practice, if there is uncertainty, organizations typically seek clarity and avoid lowering protections that may be required.
Treat the stricter protection as the controlling standard for that specific point. Article 3 is designed to keep the most protective standard available in effect across applicable rules.
