Laws and limitations on the use of security cameras

This month, the Council of Ministers approved regulations for the use of surveillance cameras in Saudi Arabia. This law comes at a very important stage in the process of digitalization and the use of new technology in light of the development and growth of social media. In this article, I will explain the provisions of the new law.

It sets out many rules governing the use of security cameras, including where they are required and the obligations when installing, maintaining and operating them around the clock. The images recorded by such systems must be kept for a period stipulated by registration documents, the recordings must be preserved in their original form without any modification, and they must be handed over to the Ministry of Interior or the Presidency of State Security upon request.

There are different classifications for locations that are required to install security cameras, which dictate how they should operate. Highly sensitive locations and properties, for example government institutions and hospitals, must connect their security surveillance systems directly to an operations room using a secured network.

Sites that are classified as being of medium sensitivity must also connect their cameras directly to an operations room, but can use an open communications network. Less sensitive locations, facilities or properties are not required to connect cameras to a control room.

Security and military agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and residential buildings, including compounds, are excluded from the requirement that the cameras be connected to operations rooms.

The installation of security cameras is prohibited in a number of places including: certain rooms, including those used for medical examinations, hypnosis, physiotherapy and changing clothes; hospital operating theaters; toilets; salons; women’s clubs; guest rooms in tourist accommodation; and other private spaces.