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Find out moreWelcome to the Saudi Arabia focus edition of Law Update.
One of the key markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) that continues to lead from the front is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). As the largest country in the Middle East and the 18th largest economy in the world, the progress KSA continues to make is underpinned by its Vision 2030 that envisions developing the country as an investment powerhouse and hub that ultimately connects Asia, Europe, and Africa. Given Saudi Arabia’s significance to the regional economy, our team of experts have prepared a range of pertinent articles that provide insights into new laws, regulations, and the legal landscape in the Kingdom.
This edition will provide you with an up-to-date guide on matters such as; the framework issued by the Saudi Central Bank on IT governance, the anti-corruption landscape under Vision 2030; we also provide practical tips for dispute avoidance. This is only a snapshot; there are many more articles within the KSA focus section for you to read, which we hope you will find valuable and enjoyable.
Read the editionSana Saleem - Associate - Digital and Data
Anita Siassios
September 2014
The Regulations repeal several policies (set out below) with the aim of streamlining each of these policies into one to provide an umbrella framework which will govern the conditions, level and scope of service to be provided by all licensees of the TRA (“Licensees”) to their respective subscribers. In this article, we provide a general overview of the Regulations and highlight some of their key aspects.
The Consumer Protection Regulations repeal the following TRA policies:
Note that the Unsolicited Electronic Communications Policy (“Spam Policy”) dated 30 December 2009, remains in full force. The operation of the Regulations does not impact on the Spam Policy.
Key aspects of the Regulations include:
1. Provision of information to consumers
At the outset, the Regulations require all Licensees to take all reasonable steps to ensure that consumers make informed decisions. To this end, the Regulations mandate the provision of accurate and complete information, including:
2. Confidentiality of subscriber information
Recognising the importance of maintaining the privacy of subscriber information, the Regulations require all Licensees to use reliable security measures in order to safeguard and prevent the unauthorised disclosure or use of subscriber information. Generally, the Regulations require Licensees to:
The TRA is entitled to visit the premises of the Licensee (or its affiliate(s)) where subscriber information is stored to review the security measures taken by the Licensee to maintain the security of subscriber information.
3. Marketing communications and practices
In addition to the Spam Policy generally prohibiting unauthorised electronic marketing communications, the Regulations set out further requirements regarding marketing communications and practices. In summary, the Regulations provide that marketing communications should not:
Note that the Regulations also contain separate sections addressing marketing communications aimed at specific audiences or in respect of specific topics (children and prize promotions, for example).
4. Complaints and dispute handling
A large number of the provisions contained in the Regulations deal with consumer complaints and disputes handling. Generally, the Regulations provide that Licensees must:
Al Tamimi & Company’s Technology, Media & Telecommunications team regularly advises on consumer protection issues. For further information about these matters, please contact Anita Siassios, a.siassios@tamimi.com.
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