Definitions

Data: A set of facts in its original form or in an unorganized form such as numbers, letters, static images, videos, audio recordings, emojis.

Personal Data: Every statement – no matter its source or shape – leads to the individual being identified specifically, or made identifiable directly or indirectly when combined with other data.

Public Data: Data after processing – unprotected – that the University receives, produces, or deals with, whatever its source, form, or nature.

Protected Data: Data classified as (highly confidential, confidential, restricted). Individual: The person requesting access or obtaining general information.

Verification: Ensuring the identity of any user, process, or device as a fundamental requirement to allow access to technical resources.

Goal

The purpose of the Freedom of Information policy is to regulate the provision of public information or its access in all forms. This policy is in line with policies issued by the National Data Management Office – Legislative Arm of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. It aims to comply with data management and governance requirements, as well as relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, which is a legislative requirement in Specification No. DG.1.2 of the National Data Management and Governance Controls and Specifications and Personal Data Protection (Version 1.5) issued by the National Data Management Office.

scope

This policy applies to all requests by individuals for access to or obtaining of public – unclassified – information produced by the University, regardless of its source, form, or nature – including paper records, email messages, information stored on computers, audio, video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other form of recorded information. This policy does not apply to protected information:

1- Information that, if disclosed, would harm the national security of the State or its policies, interests, or rights.

2- Military and security information.

3- Information and documents obtained pursuant to an agreement with another state and classified as protected.

4- Investigations, inquiries, enforcement actions, inspections, and surveillance related to a crime, offense, or threat.

5- Information that includes recommendations, suggestions, or consultations for the enactment of or issuance of a governmental decree that has not yet been issued.

6- Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature that, if disclosed, would result in profit or avoid loss in an unlawful manner.

7- Scientific or technical research, or rights including rights of intellectual property that, if disclosed, would infringe a moral right.

8- Information relating to competitions, tenders, and auctions that, if disclosed, would violate the fairness of competition.

9- Information that is confidential or personal under another system, or requires specific systematic procedures to access or obtain it.

the fundamental principles of freedom of information

Principle One: Transparency for the individual’s right to knowledge of information related to university activities, enhancing a system of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Principle Two: Necessity and Proportionality – Any restrictions on requests to access or obtain protected information that the university receives, produces, or deals with must be justified clearly and explicitly.

Principle Three: The principle of public information is the right of every individual to access public – un-protected – information; the applicant does not necessarily need to have a specific or particular interest in this information to obtain it, and is not subject to any legal accountability related to this right.

Principle Four: Equality – All requests to access or obtain public information are treated on a basis of equality and without discrimination between individuals.

rights of individuals regarding access to public information or obtaining it

First: The right to access and obtain any information not protected by the University.

Second: The right to know the reason for refusal to access or obtain the requested information.

Third: The right to appeal the decision to refuse the request for access and obtaining the requested information.