Secure Data Transfer

In a world where digital footprints are as significant as our physical presence, how does the Kingdom of Bahrain safeguard its citizens' private information against the looming threat of cyber risks?

In July 2018, Bahrain took a monumental step forward in data privacy with the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) (PDF, 304KB, 40 pages, Arabic only), which became effective in 2019. This law serves as a critical legal framework, aiming to instill public confidence in the security of personal data handled by companies and organizations. The PDPL outlines comprehensive regulations for the collection, processing, storage, and sharing of personal data, ensuring transparency and accountability in its handling.

Key aspects of the PDPL include:

1. Consent for Data Processing: The law mandates that personal data cannot be processed without the individual's explicit written consent unless otherwise permitted by law.

2. Regulations for Data Transfer: Special authorization is required for transferring personal data outside Bahrain, overseen by the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf.

3. Prohibition of Automated Data Linking: It prohibits automated processes that link personal data across multiple parties, enhancing privacy protection.

4. Mandatory Disclosure: Entities must provide comprehensive information to data owners about the usage of their data, maintaining transparency.

5. Rights of Data Owners: Individuals have the right to inquire about, correct, withhold, or erase their personal data under specific conditions, giving them control over their personal information.

6. Direct Marketing Regulations: Individuals can object to the use of their personal data for direct marketing purposes, reflecting respect for personal preferences.

In addition to the PDPL, Bahrain has implemented a suite of laws and regulations to fortify its cybersecurity and information security framework. These include laws on electronic transactions (PDF, 209KB, 20 pages, Arabic only), regulations for electronic documents and signatures, legislation addressing IT offenses and the protection of state documents.

The Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA), functioning under the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf, plays a pivotal role in enforcing these regulations, ensuring that personal data is processed in accordance with legal standards.

"Personal data" encompasses a wide array of information, from names and contact details to bank information and personal photos. Any entity handling such data must adhere to legal standards, ensuring lawful, fair, and transparent processing while maintaining data confidentiality and security.

Through these robust measures, Bahrain not only protects the personal data of its citizens and residents but also fosters a secure digital environment, crucial for advancing its digital economy and maintaining public trust in an increasingly interconnected world.

Law-Decree No. (54) of 2018 regarding issuing electronic transactions and statements (DOC, 210KB, 20 pages, Arabic only)

Prime Minister Decision No. (36) of 2018 regarding the regulation of technical requirements for sending, receiving, and updating electronic documents and the signatures of public entities (PDF, 133KB, 4 pages, Arabic only)

Law No. (2) of 2017 regarding the ratification of the Arab Convention on Combating Information Technology Offences (PDF, 915KB, 31 pages, Arabic only)

Law No. (60) of 2014 regarding Information Technology crimes (PDF, 189KB, 10 pages, Arabic only)
Law No. (16) of 2014 regarding the protection of information and state documents (PDF, 142KB, 4 pages, Arabic only)

The Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA) is responsible for ensuring that personal data is processed and used in accordance with legal standards. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf has been appointed to carry out these tasks, as per Cabinet Decision No. (78) of 2020.

The Once-Only Data Policy (PDF, 306KB, 15 pages) in Bahrain ensures top-notch security for all electronic transactions and services through a convenient single sign-on system. The policy ensures that the government will not ask you to provide personal data and/or documents more than once or to provide data that they already have in their disposition while adhering to the Kingdom's data privacy and data protection regulations.