Article 24 of the Saudi Competition Law

This article protects the secrets of establishments and of the work at the General Authority for Competition, by criminalizing their disclosure.

• Who does it cover? Board members and the Authority's staff.
• The act: disclosing a secret related to their work.
• The intent: that the disclosure be with the intent to achieve a material or moral benefit. This is a condition in the text for this penalty to apply.
• The penalty: a fine not exceeding SAR 1 million.
• This is without prejudice to any more severe penalty stipulated in the Law or another law.

The Board under Article 1 is the board of directors of the General Authority for Competition. This article does not specify the body that hears this violation, so nothing is assumed about it. Article 25 deals with a different right: the right of anyone harmed by practices that violate the Law to claim compensation before the competent court.

This article reassures establishments that provide their information to the Authority that there is a penalty for anyone who misuses it. Anyone harmed by the disclosure of their information, or accused of it, can consult a lawyer specialized in criminal and administrative cases.