Saudi Arabia will introduce a Freedom of Information system soon to regulate data sharing across public and private sectors. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha announced the upcoming legal framework during a government press conference held alongside the LEAP conference, according to Al Yaum.
Objectives of the Freedom of Information System
The planned framework seeks to govern data exchange while maintaining national data sovereignty and protecting confidential records. Under the Freedom of Information system, authorities plan to balance national data sovereignty with research needs. The regulation also aims to stimulate technical creativity across digital markets.
The announcement came in response to inquiries regarding consumer rights protection and user confidence within national digital systems. In addition, regulatory bodies are refining policies to secure institutional data without creating hurdles for digital innovation.
Digital Economy Growth and Market Oversight
During the press briefing, Alswaha stated that the Saudi digital economy expanded to reach SAR 522 billion. This figure reflects a growth rate exceeding 75 percent. The minister noted that consumer protection serves as a fundamental element in building trust across the sector.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission continues to carry out supervisory and legislative duties to oversee market participants. Furthermore, maintaining strict cybersecurity standards remains a top operational requirement for digital entities handling user data.
Telecom Consumer Protection Framework
The Saudi telecom market underwent complete privatization, placing primary responsibility for customer service on licensed service providers. As a result of tighter compliance rules, customer grievances registered a marked decline across recent years.
Consumer complaints dropped from more than one million cases in 2017 to approximately 100,000 cases or fewer in certain quarters. This transition represents a periodic decline estimated at 15 percent across reporting periods.
Dispute Escalation and Regulatory Timelines
Authorities have issued a dedicated consumer protection document that outlines explicit rights and obligations for subscribers. Officials noted that the Freedom of Information system aligns with broader consumer protection initiatives across government agencies.
Under current rules, consumers maintain the right to submit complaints directly to telecom operators. If a company fails to resolve an issue within five days, the user may escalate the dispute to the Communications, Space and Technology Commission. The regulator then issues a binding decision to enforce service delivery or mandate alternate solutions.
