Freedom of Information Policy and Procedures

Definitions

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

Objective

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Policy is to regulate the provision of public information or its acquisition in all forms to beneficiaries. This policy aligns with policies issued by the National Data Management Office - Legislative Arm of the Saudi Data and Cyber Security Agency (SDCIA). It aims to comply with data governance, management, and relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all individual requests for access to or obtaining of unprotected public information produced by the University, regardless of its source, form, or nature – including paper records, email messages, computer-stored information, audio, video, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other form of recorded information.

This policy does not apply to protected information:

  • Information that would cause damage to the national security of the State or its policies or interests or rights.
  • Military and security information.
  • Information and documents obtained pursuant to an agreement with another country and classified as protected.
  • Investigations, inquiries, enforcement actions, inspections, surveillance related to a crime, offense, or threat.
  • Information including recommendations, suggestions, or consultations for issuing legislation or a government decision that has not yet been issued.
  • Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature which, if disclosed, would result in an unlawful profit or avoidance of loss.
  • Scientific or technical research, or rights including intellectual property rights, where disclosure would infringe on a moral right.
  • Information relating to competitions, tenders and auctions, the disclosure of which would undermine fair competition.
  • Information that is confidential or personal under another system, or requires specific systematic procedures for access to or acquisition thereof.

Principles of Freedom of Information

  • Transparency: The individual has the right to know information relating to university activities in order to promote a system of integrity, transparency and accountability.
  • Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions on requesting or obtaining protected information must be justified in a clear and explicit manner.
  • The Principle of Disclosure for Public Information: Every individual has the right to access public – unclassified – information, and does not necessarily require that the applicant possess a specific skill or interest in this information in order to obtain it; they are not subject to any legal liability relating to this right.
  • Equality: All requests for access or obtaining general information will be treated on the basis of equality and non-discrimination between individuals.

Rights of individuals regarding access to public information or obtaining it

  • The right to access and obtain any information not protected by the University.
  • The right to know the reason for refusing access or obtaining the requested information.
  • The right to appeal a decision to reject the request for access and obtaining the requested information.