Freedom of Information Policy and Procedures

Definitions

  • Data: A set of facts in its raw form or in an unorganized format such as numbers, letters, still images, videos, audio recordings, or emojis.
  • Personal Data: Any information—regardless of its source or form—that can directly or indirectly identify an individual when combined with other data.
  • Public Information: Processed, unprotected data that the university receives, produces, or handles, regardless of its source, form, or nature.
  • Protected Data: Data classified as (Top Secret, Secret, Restricted).
  • Individual: The person submitting a request to view or obtain public information.
  • Authentication: Ensuring the identity of any user, operation, or device as a fundamental requirement to grant access to technical resources.

Objective

The purpose of the Freedom of Information Policy is to regulate beneficiaries’ access to or retrieval of public information in all its forms. This policy aligns with those issued by the National Data Management Office—the legislative arm of the Saudi Data and AI Authority—and aims to comply with requirements for data management, governance, and relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

Scope

This policy applies to all individuals’ requests to view or obtain public (unprotected) information produced by the university, regardless of its source, form, or nature—including paper records, emails, computer-stored information, audio or video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other form of recorded information.

The provisions of this policy do not apply to protected information:

  • Information whose disclosure may harm the state’s national security, policies, interests, or rights.
  • Military and security information.
  • Information and documents obtained by agreement with another country and classified as protected.
  • Investigations, inspections, law enforcement, and monitoring related to crimes, violations, or threats.
  • Information containing recommendations, proposals, or consultations for issuing legislation or government decisions not yet issued.
  • Commercial, industrial, financial, or economic information whose disclosure may result in unlawful gain or avoidance of loss.
  • Scientific or technical research, or rights involving intellectual property that, if disclosed, would affect a moral right.
  • Information related to bids, tenders, and auctions whose disclosure would compromise fair competition.
  • Information that is confidential or personal by virtue of another law, or that requires specific legal procedures for access or acquisition.

Main Principles of Freedom of Information

  • Transparency: Individuals have the right to know information related to the university’s activities, enhancing integrity, transparency, and accountability.
  • Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions on requests to view or obtain protected information must be clearly and explicitly justified.
  • Disclosure as the Default for Public Information: Every individual has the right to access public (unprotected) information—no specific status or interest is required to obtain such information, nor are there legal consequences related to this right.
  • Equality: All requests to view or obtain public information are handled equally and without discrimination among individuals.

Individuals’ Rights Regarding Access to Public Information

  • The right to view and obtain any unprotected information held by the university.
  • The right to know the reason for refusal to view or obtain the requested information.
  • The right to appeal a decision to refuse a request to view or obtain the requested information.