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Freedom of Information

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and accessibility to public information. This policy outlines the rights of individuals to request and obtain public information while maintaining the necessary safeguards for protected and confidential data. It also provides clear guidelines on the eligibility, procedures, and platforms for submitting requests, along with the responsible authorities overseeing the implementation of the Freedom of Information framework.

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What is Freedom of Information?

Freedom of Information (FOI) refers to the right of individuals to access public, non-confidential government data. This includes information in various formats, such as paper records, digital documents, emails, multimedia files, and other recorded materials. Open data is a subset of public information accessible to individuals for a fee.

Regulatory Framework

The National Data Management Office (NDMO), under the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has established Freedom of Information standards as part of the broader Data Management and Personal Data Protection framework. These regulations ensure that public entities facilitate access to public information while adhering to defined legal and procedural guidelines.

The Freedom of Information Regulation is based on national data governance policies and the National Data Management and Personal Data Protection Standards. It outlines the rights of individuals to request access to unprotected public data, as well as the responsibilities of government entities in handling these requests. Additionally, the regulation defines the roles of SDAIA, NDMO, and the National Information Center (NIC) in managing and safeguarding information access.

Policies and Regulations

Saudi Arabia recognizes the value of data as a strategic national asset that enhances decision-making, economic transformation, and transparency. In line with Vision 2030, the government has established comprehensive policies and regulations, including:

Freedom of Information Policy and Regulations: Governs the process of requesting unprotected public information from government entities.
Data Classification Policy and Regulations: Establishes a framework for classifying data according to its sensitivity and accessibility.
Open Data Policy and Regulations: Defines the regulatory standards for managing and sharing open data.
Personal Data Protection Law and Implementing Regulations: Ensures the privacy and security of personal data, outlining the obligations of data controllers and the rights of individuals.

For more details, please visit the official policy and regulation pages.

Individuals' Rights to Obtain Information

Who Can Request Information?

Any individual has the right to submit a request for public, non-confidential information related to government activities. Applicants are not required to demonstrate a specific interest in the requested data. This right is protected under Saudi Arabia's commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Citizens are entitled to:

Submit a request for unprotected public information.
Receive an explanation if a request is denied.
File an appeal if a request is rejected.
Equal treatment and non-discrimination in the handling of information requests.
Justification for any restrictions on access to protected information.

Individuals seeking to access public information can submit their requests through designated government platforms. Requests are processed in accordance with the FOI regulations, ensuring transparency and fairness. In the event of a rejection, applicants have the right to appeal within 15 days of receiving the decision.

What Information Can Be Requested?

The FOI framework applies to all requests for unprotected and open data. However, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure, including:

Data that may compromise national security, foreign policy, or public interest.
Draft recommendations or consultations pending legislative approval.
Commercial, financial, or industrial data that could result in unlawful profit or loss.
Proprietary scientific or technical research protected by intellectual property laws.
Information related to bids and auctions that could affect fair competition.
Personal or confidential data requiring specific legal authorization.
Military and security-related records.
Classified agreements with foreign entities.
Details of law enforcement investigations or surveillance activities.

Citizens can contact the relevant government entities overseeing the Freedom of Information process for inquiries and further assistance.

Obligations of Public Entities

Public entities play a crucial role in implementing and overseeing the FOI framework. Their responsibilities include:

Establishing policies and procedures for processing information requests.
Setting up administrative units responsible for managing and monitoring information access requests.
Providing clear mechanisms, including digital and paper forms, for submitting FOI requests.
Verifying the identity of applicants before granting access to the requested information.
Determining fees based on data complexity, processing effort, and resource usage.
Maintaining records of FOI requests and decisions for compliance and auditing purposes.
Developing awareness programs to promote transparency and educate the public on information access rights.
Ensuring ongoing compliance with FOI policies and taking corrective actions when necessary.

Oversight and Implementation Authorities

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)

SDAIA serves as the national authority for data and artificial intelligence, overseeing all regulatory, developmental, and operational aspects of data management in the Kingdom.

National Data Management Office (NDMO)

NDMO, a sub-entity of SDAIA, is responsible for developing and enforcing data management strategies, regulations, and compliance monitoring. It ensures that data is effectively governed, protected, and leveraged to enhance national development and digital transformation.