Yes, two-party consent recording is legal in Saudi Arabia but strictly regulated under the Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) and Anti-Cyber Crime Law (Royal Decree M/17, 2007, amended 2026). Unauthorized interception or disclosure of private communications constitutes a criminal offense, punishable by fines up to SAR 3M and imprisonment. Consent must be explicit, with clear notice to all parties, and recordings cannot be used for blackmail, defamation, or unauthorized dissemination.
Key Regulations for Two-Party Consent Recording in Saudi Arabia
- Explicit Consent Requirement: Both parties must be informed of the recording prior to its initiation, as mandated under Article 6 of the Anti-Cyber Crime Law. Implied consent (e.g., recording public speeches) does not suffice.
- Purpose Limitation: Recordings may only be used for lawful purposes, such as evidence in legal disputes or journalistic integrity, per CITC’s 2024 Telecommunications Bylaws. Misuse triggers liability under Article 3 of the Anti-Cyber Crime Law.
- Data Retention & Disclosure: Storage is capped at 30 days unless court-ordered, and third-party sharing requires judicial approval, aligning with CITC’s 2026 Data Localization Guidelines. Violations risk administrative penalties.