Freedom of Information Policy and Procedures

Definitions

  • Data: A collection of facts in their raw or unorganized form such as numbers, letters, static images, videos, audio recordings, emojis.
  • Personal Data: Every statement – no matter its source or form – can lead to the specific identification of an individual, or make them identifiable directly or indirectly when combined with other data.
  • General Information: Data – unprotected – that the University receives, generates, or deals with, regardless of its source, form, or nature.
  • Protected Data: Data classified as (Highly Confidential, Confidential, Restricted).
  • Individual: The person requesting access or obtaining general information.
  • Verification: Confirming the identity of any user, process, or device as a fundamental requirement for granting access to technical resources.

    • Goal

    The purpose of the Freedom of Information Policy is to regulate the provision of public information or its acquisition in all forms. This policy aligns 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 governance and management requirements, as well as relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

    Scope

    This policy applies to all requests by individuals for access to or obtaining of general – unclassified – information produced by the University, regardless of its source, form, or nature, including paper records, email messages, information stored on computers, audio or video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other form of recorded information.

    This policy does not apply to protected information:

    • Information that, if disclosed, would harm the national security of the state or its policies, interests, or rights.
  • Military and Security Information.
  • Information and documents obtained pursuant to an agreement with another country and classified as protected.
  • Investigations and inquiries and enforcement actions and inspection and surveillance related to a crime or violation or threat.
  • Information that includes recommendations or suggestions or consultations for the issuance of legislation or a government decision that has not yet been issued.
  • Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature that, if disclosed, would result in an unlawful gain or avoidance of loss.
  • Scientific or technical research, or rights including rights relating to intellectual property that disclosure thereof would prejudice a moral right.
  • Information related to competitions, bids, and auctions that are disclosed, leading to a violation of the fairness of the competition.
  • Information that is confidential or personal under another system, or requires specific procedural access to obtain it.

      • The Principal Principles of Freedom of Information

    • Transparency: The individual has the right to know information related to university activities to promote a system of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
  • Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions on requesting or obtaining protected information should be justified in a clear and explicit manner.
  • The right to general information disclosure applies to: Every individual has the right to access general – unprivileged – information, and does not necessarily need to have a specific qualification or particular interest in this information to obtain it. Furthermore, no legal liability is incurred as a result of this right.
  • Equality: All requests for access or public information are handled on the basis of equality and non-discrimination between individuals.

    • Individual rights related to access to general information or obtaining it

    • The right to access and obtain any non-protected information by the University.
  • The right to know the reason for denial of access or the provision of required information.
  • The right to appeal a decision rejecting a request for access to and obtaining the required information.