Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in Saudi Arabia

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a set of rules governing the use of security surveillance cameras in the Kingdom. These cameras, which can be fixed or mobile, are designed to capture moving images. However, the law does not apply to cameras inside private residential units and complexes.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras was issued by Royal Decree on October 3, 2022, with a Council of Ministers decision on September 27, 2022.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom consists of eighteen articles. It includes definitions, the individuals and entities to which its provisions apply, licensing and obligations for those subject to its provisions, the manufacturing or importing of surveillance cameras, locations where the installation of security cameras is prohibited, viewing of live feeds and recordings, the development of processing and analysis systems, monitoring violations of the provisions of the law, handling infractions, penalties, and other related matters.

The Implementing Regulations of the Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom define the locations for installing surveillance cameras and the guidelines for maintaining their systems, ensuring privacy and compliance with the provisions of the law. The provisions of the law applies to ministries, authorities, and public institutions; power generation and desalination plants; oil and petrochemical facilities; commercial complexes, shopping centers, and tourist accommodation facilities; residential buildings, including housing complexes and towers; financial institutions, banks, and money exchange centers; the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque; holy sites; mosques and prayer halls; public and private entertainment venues; clubs, sports facilities, and stadiums; public and private cultural institutions and youth centers; commercial warehouses; public and private healthcare facilities, including medical cities, hospitals, and clinics; highways connecting cities and governorates, major roads, and their intersections within cities; public and private educational institutions; fuel stations, gas sales outlets; public transportation means; establishments offering food services; economic and commercial activity areas; event and festival venues; public and private museums, historical and heritage sites prepared for visitors; and any other location or facility the Ministry of Interior deems necessary to include.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom stipulates that security surveillance camera systems must be installed before granting a license to those subject to the provisions of the law to operate an activity, or when renewing the license to continue that activity.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom also requires installing, maintaining, and continuously operating security surveillance camera systems. It mandates the retention of recordings, ensuring they remain unaltered in the event of a report on a specific incident, until the completion of investigation procedures. The recordings must be handed over to the Ministry of Interior or the State Security Presidency upon request.

The Ministry of Interior or the State Security Presidency has the right to view the live feed and recordings from security surveillance cameras, retain copies of them, and process and analyze their data if necessary or for security reasons. They may also present the recordings to the competent court or investigating authority. It is prohibited to transfer or publish recordings except with the approval of the Ministry of Interior or the State Security Presidency, or based on a court order, or at the request of the competent investigative authority.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras classifies entities subject to its provisions into three categories: The first category includes high-sensitivity entities, facilities, or properties, which are required to connect their surveillance camera systems directly to operation rooms via secure networks. The second category consists of medium-sensitivity entities, facilities, or properties, which must connect their surveillance camera systems to operation rooms via open communication networks. The third category includes low-sensitivity entities, facilities, or properties, that do not require direct connection to operation rooms. Security and military government entities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and residential buildings are exempt from the requirement to connect to operation rooms.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom prohibits the manufacturing, importing, selling, installing, operating, or maintaining of security cameras without prior approval from the Ministry of Interior. The installation of security surveillance cameras is also prohibited in the following areas: medical operation rooms, private spaces, medical examination and inpatient rooms, physical therapy rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, women’s salons and clubs, residential units in tourist accommodation facilities, and any other locations specified by the Implementing Regulations of the law. A visible sign or signs must be placed in the areas covered by the provisions of the law, indicating that they are equipped with security surveillance cameras.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom stipulates that violations must be recorded in reports, and employees appointed by the Minister of Interior are responsible for monitoring violations. The Ministry of Interior may assign the task of monitoring some violations, excluding those with a security nature, to the private sector. The Minister of Interior may form one or more committees in each province, consisting of three members, to review violations and determine penalties.

The Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras in the Kingdom outlines penalties for violations. Any person, whether a natural or legal entity, found in violation will be fined SAR500 for each security surveillance camera or device that does not meet the technical specifications. A fine of SAR1,000 will be imposed for each security surveillance camera or device not installed according to the specifications outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

Fines can reach up to SAR5,000 for failing to retain recordings, and up to SAR20,000 for unlawfully transferring or publishing recordings, or for damaging or destroying surveillance equipment or recordings. Those who receive a penalty decision may appeal it to the administrative court within sixty days from the date of notification.