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Welcome to part 3 of the blog series Navigating Saudi Arabia’s Data Protection Framework. In this part we will focus on the Data residency.
Data residency regulations ensure that personal data, even when transferred outside Saudi Arabia, continues to receive the highest level of protection. These regulations are aligned with the overarching goal of safeguarding the personal information of Saudi citizens and residents, wherever that data may reside.
Key Requirements Summary for Data Residency
Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and the National Data Management and Personal Data Protection Standards place strict regulations on how personal data is handled, particularly when it comes to transferring data outside the Kingdom. The key provisions include:
Purpose and Necessity: Data can only be transferred or disclosed outside Saudi Arabia if it aligns with the specific purposes allowed by law, such as fulfilling agreements to which the Kingdom is a party, serving the public interest, or meeting national security objectives.Minimum Necessary Transfer: Controllers must limit the transfer or disclosure of personal data to the minimum necessary and ensure that such transfers do not compromise data privacy or security.Adequate Protection Measures: The level of protection in the destination country must meet or exceed Saudi Arabia’s standards for data