Yes, recording phone calls in Saudi Arabia is permitted under strict conditions outlined by the Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) and the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), effective September 2023. Consent from at least one party is mandatory, and recordings must comply with Islamic legal principles and national security interests. Unauthorized interception or disclosure risks severe penalties, including imprisonment or fines up to SAR 5 million under the Cybercrime Law.
Key Regulations for Recording Phone Calls in Saudi Arabia
- Consent Requirement: The PDPL mandates explicit consent from at least one party involved in the call. Recording without consent violates privacy rights and may trigger enforcement actions by the CST or the Personal Data Protection Center (PDPC).
- Legitimate Purpose: Recordings must serve a lawful purpose, such as business documentation, legal compliance, or security. Misuse for harassment, blackmail, or unauthorized dissemination is criminalized under the Cybercrime Law (2007, amended 2022).
- Data Storage & Transfer: Recorded calls containing personal data must be stored securely within Saudi Arabia. Cross-border transfers require prior approval from the PDPC to prevent violations of data sovereignty under Vision 2030 digital transformation policies.