Overview
Rules for Appointing Personal Data Protection Officer Article 2 defines the core purpose of these Rules within the Saudi PDPL framework. It establishes the minimum requirements for appointing a DPO, clarifies the situations in which Controllers are required to appoint a DPO, and determines the roles and tasks assigned to the DPO.
This Article provides the foundational objectives that guide how Controllers operationalize DPO appointment and governance in compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) 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.
Article 2: Purpose
These Rules aim at:
- Setting minimum requirements for appointing DPO.
- Clarification of concepts related to cases in which Controller shall appoint DPO.
- Determining DPO Roles & Tasks
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.
Article 2(1)
Minimum Appointment Standards
This provision establishes that the Rules define baseline requirements that must be met when appointing a Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO). These minimum requirements ensure that DPO appointments are consistent, effective, and aligned with the obligations set out under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its Implementing Regulations.
Article 2(2)
Mandatory Appointment Scenarios
This provision clarifies the concepts and conditions that determine when a Controller is required to appoint a Personal Data Protection Officer (PDPL). It supports consistent interpretation of mandatory DPO appointment triggers and reduces ambiguity for Controllers when assessing their legal obligations.
Article 2(3)
Defined Roles and Responsibilities
This provision confirms that the Rules set out the roles and tasks of the Personal Data Protection Officer (DPO). It ensures that the DPO’s responsibilities are clearly defined, enabling effective oversight of compliance, proper execution of data protection duties, and alignment with the broader PDPL governance framework.
