Overview
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
These Rules serve to maximize the utilization of data in creating promising development opportunities that necessitate data processing for purposes other than those initially specified at the time of data collection. To maximize the benefits derived from data produced, collected, or retained by entities, contributing to economic growth, these Rules have been established. They provide a framework to enable responsible data sharing by entities to serve public interest and foster research, development, and innovation. This necessitates the establishment of controls and procedures governing data sharing requests for the aforementioned purposes within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These Rules complement the Data Sharing Policy issued by the Saudi Data AI Authority (by providing further clarity on data sharing between government entities concerning public interest objectives and the responsible advancement of research, development, and innovation. Furthermore, they provide clarity on data sharing between government and private entities for the purposes of achieving public interest and fostering research, development, and innovation.
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 Rules
These rules were created to allow entities to reuse data for new purposes that were not part of the original collection. The intention is to open opportunities for development by using existing datasets more effectively.
Economic Value Creation
The introduction emphasizes that data held by entities has economic value. By enabling structured secondary use, the Kingdom aims to increase national economic growth driven by data-based activities.
Framework for Sharing
The rules introduce a controlled framework for how data can be shared responsibly. This includes clear procedures for entities requesting or providing data for secondary uses.
Public Interest Alignment
A key focus is ensuring that data sharing serves public interest objectives. The rules support entities in sharing data to benefit society, public services, and national priorities.
Research and Innovation Support
The text highlights the importance of research, development, and innovation. Secondary data use is enabled specifically to help researchers and innovators access high-value data in a responsible manner.
Complementing Data Sharing Policy
These rules complement the existing national Data Sharing Policy. They offer additional clarity, especially on the mechanisms for government-to-government data sharing to meet public-interest goals.
Government–Private Collaboration
The rules also explain how government entities can share data with private entities. This transparency is meant to encourage innovation and commercial solutions that align with public interest objectives.