Organizations that handle personal data must ensure robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information. However, breaches can still occur, and when they do, companies must act swiftly to minimize the damage. Under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and its implementing regulations, organizations in Saudi Arabia have strict obligations regarding data breach notifications. Understanding these requirements is essential for businesses to maintain compliance, protect their reputation, and uphold consumer trust.

Why Data Breach Notification Matters

A data breach can have serious consequences, including financial loss, legal penalties, and reputational damage. The Saudi PDPL mandates that organizations (referred to as controllers) must notify relevant parties, including regulatory authorities and affected individuals, in case of a breach that leads to unauthorized access, disclosure, or destruction of personal data.

Timely reporting helps regulators take necessary actions to mitigate potential risks while ensuring affected individuals have the information needed to protect themselves. Failure to comply with these notification requirements can result in severe legal repercussions and loss of consumer confidence.

Key Requirements Under the PDPL

The PDPL, enforced by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), lays out specific obligations for organizations regarding data breaches. Let’s break down the essential aspects businesses need to understand:

1. Reporting Threshold: When Should a Breach Be Reported?

Under the PDPL, organizations must notify SDAIA as soon as they become aware of a data breach, regardless of the severity. Unlike some international regulations, which apply a materiality threshold (such as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s rule requiring notification only if the health data of 500+ individuals is affected), the PDPL mandates that all breaches, irrespective of size or impact, must be reported. This means organizations cannot decide whether to report based on the perceived risk level; every breach must be disclosed.

2. Timeline for Notification: How Soon Must You Report?

Time is of the essence when reporting a data breach. The PDPL requires:

Notification to SDAIA within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach.
Notification to affected individuals without undue delay if the breach could impact their personal data or compromise their rights and interests.

This aligns with global standards like the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which also mandates a 72-hour reporting window. However, the GDPR provides certain exceptions where notification may not be necessary (such as when encryption protects breached data). The PDPL, on the other hand, does not offer such exemptions, making compliance more stringent.

3. What Information Must Be Included in the Notification?

Organizations must provide specific details when notifying SDAIA of a breach. The required information includes:

A description of the incident and how it occurred.
The category and number of affected individuals.
An assessment of the potential consequences.
Measures taken to mitigate risks and prevent future breaches.

These requirements are largely in line with international best practices, making it easier for multinational corporations operating in Saudi Arabia to align their existing incident response strategies with the PDPL.

4. Incident Containment: What Actions Should Organizations Take?

Beyond reporting, organizations must actively work to contain and mitigate the breach. The PDPL emphasizes:

Identifying the type and quantity of compromised data.
Assessing which individuals are impacted.
Implementing corrective actions to limit further exposure.

The Guide also includes a unique provision that requires companies to take action to change breached personal data where possible. For instance, if passwords are compromised, organizations should proactively reset them to minimize risk. This highlights SDAIA’s expectation that businesses take a hands-on approach in protecting affected individuals.

5. How Should Notifications Be Delivered?

For regulatory reporting, organizations must submit notifications via the National Data Governance Platform, which is accessible only to individuals with a Saudi national ID or Iqama. For notifying affected individuals, companies should use their preferred communication method, such as SMS, email, or public announcements (if a large number of people are affected).

Sector-Specific Considerations

Certain industries may have additional notification requirements. For instance, cloud service providers might need to report security breaches to the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) in specific circumstances. Organizations operating in highly regulated sectors, such as healthcare or finance, should ensure compliance with any additional reporting obligations beyond the PDPL.

What Businesses Should Do Next

To ensure compliance with the PDPL’s breach notification requirements, organizations should:

Review existing incident response policies to align with PDPL guidelines.
Train employees on breach identification, reporting, and mitigation strategies.
Develop a streamlined notification process to ensure timely reporting to SDAIA and affected individuals.
Leverage existing global frameworks where possible to create a unified approach to data breach management.
Stay updated on regulatory developments to adjust policies as needed.

Final Thoughts

Data breaches can be a significant challenge, but organizations that proactively prepare for them can minimize risks and maintain compliance under the Saudi PDPL. Understanding the law’s strict notification requirements and ensuring timely reporting is not just a legal obligation — it’s also a crucial step in fostering transparency, accountability, and trust in the digital ecosystem.

By implementing robust incident response measures, businesses can not only meet regulatory requirements but also protect their reputation and build long-term customer confidence in an era where data privacy is paramount.