Article 32 of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Law
المادة 32 من نظام الاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات · الفصل العاشر: أحكام ختامية
The article provides for the confidentiality of telephone calls and of information sent or received over public communications networks, and bars viewing, listening to or recording them except in cases the laws specify.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
تعد سرّيةً المكالمات الهاتفية والمعلومات التي ترسَل أو تُستقبَل عن طريق شبكات الاتصالات العامة، ولا يجوز الاطلاع عليها ولا الاستماع إليها ولا تسجيلها؛ إلا في الحالات التي تبينها الأنظمة.
This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers
Article 32 explained in plain English
This article protects one of people's most important rights in communications: the confidentiality of what they exchange.
What is protected?
- Telephone calls.
- Information sent or received over public communications networks.
What is prohibited?
- Viewing them.
- Listening to them.
- Recording them.
The exception: The cases that the laws specify. Confidentiality may not be overridden unless a law provides for a case that permits it, and this text does not set out those cases.
The text is general in its wording; it does not limit the prohibition to the service provider but is phrased as "may not" without specifying who is addressed. The information protected by this text is that sent or received over public communications networks, which under Article 1 are local or international wired or wireless systems that provide public communications and information technology service to the user.
Before it comes Article 31 on universal service, and after it Article 33, which refers to the Implementing Regulations the procedures for protecting the user and handling their complaints. Anyone who believes their calls or messages were viewed or recorded without a legal basis should consult a lawyer specializing in cybercrime.
Practical example
Khaled discovered that someone was trying to listen to his phone calls over the mobile network. Telephone calls are confidential under the article, and they may not be listened to or recorded except in cases the laws specify.
Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.
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Frequently asked questions about Article 32 of the Saudi Communications and Information Technology Law
Is wiretapping calls allowed in Saudi Arabia?
Telephone calls and information sent over public communications networks may not be viewed, listened to or recorded except in cases the laws specify.
Does confidentiality cover messages and data?
Yes. It covers information sent or received over public communications networks, not only calls.
When may communications be viewed?
Only in cases the laws specify. This text does not set out those cases.
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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.