Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Information access policy

Access to Information Policy

Scope

This Policy applies to all requests by individuals to view or obtain public information – unprotected and produced by public authorities, of whatever source, form or nature.

This Policy does not apply to protected information, including the following:

  1. Information whose disclosure may jeopardize the national security, policy, interests, or rights of the State.
  2. Military and security-related information.
  3. Information and documents obtained under agreements with other countries that are classified as protected.
  4. Investigations, law enforcement operations, inspections, and surveillance activities related to a crime, offense or threat.
  5. Information that contains recommendations, suggestions or advice for legislation or a governmental decision that has not yet been issued.
  6. Scientific or technical research, or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would prejudice a moral right.
  7. Information related to competitions, bids, or auctions, the disclosure of which would jeopardize the fairness of competition.
  8. Information deemed secret and personal under another law, or requires certain statutory procedures to access or obtain it.

Key Principles of Freedom of Information:

  • Transparency: the individual the right to access information related to the activities of the ministry to promote integrity, transparency and accountability.
  • Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions on access to protected information received, produced or handled by the Ministry must be justified in a clear and explicit manner.
  • Disclosure by default: Everyone has the right to access unprotected public information, and it is not necessary for the applicant to have a particular interest in the information to be able to obtain it, nor is he or she subject to any legal accountability related to this right.
  • Equality: All requests for access to public information are dealt with on the basis of equality and non-discrimination between individuals

Individuals’ rights related to accessing Open Data

  • The right to access and obtain any information that is not protected by any public body.
  • The right to be informed of the reason for the denial of access to or provision of the requested information.
  • The right to appeal the decision to deny access to the requested information.

Key steps for accessing or obtaining Open Data

Primary requirements for information access request:

  1. To request the approved form for accessing information contact dmo@mcit.gov.sa: dmo@mcit.gov.sa.
  2. The purpose of the request must be for accessing or obtaining public information.

Main steps to request access to open data:

  • First: Applications are submitted by filling out an electronic form and submitting it to the ministry.
  • Second: The Ministry will receive the request for access to public information and take one of the following decisions:
    1. Approval: if the ministry approves the request fully or partially.
    2. Rejection: If the request to access or obtain the information is rejected, the rejection must be in writing or electronically and must include the following information:
      • Whether the request was denied in whole or in part.
      • The reasons for the denial, if applicable.
      • The right to appeal the denial and how to exercise that right.
      • Notice of extension and the date by which the application is expected to be completed.
      • Reasons of delay.
      • The right to appeal the extension and how to exercise this right.
    3. Notice: If the requested information is available on the Ministry's website, or is not within its jurisdiction, the individual must be notified in writing or electronically and must include the following information:
      • Type of notice: For example, the requested data is available on the ministry's website, or it is not within the ministry's jurisdiction.
      • The right to appeal this notice and how to exercise this right.
  • Third :If the individual wishes to appeal the rejection of the request by the Ministry, he/she can submit a written or electronic notice of grievance to the Ministry's Data Management Office within a period of time not exceeding (10) working days after receiving the Ministry's decision, and the Ministry's Data Management Office will review the request and take the appropriate decision.