Data privacy and security are a major talking point around the world, with digital technology making it much easier for organisations to collect personal information.
However, they are obliged not to share data with third parties – at least not without the user’s consent or express approval. Adherence to this varies worldwide.
For instance, the Middle East was once a region where data privacy wasn’t prioritised, but new legislation has been established with the sole purpose of safeguarding every citizen’s data rights.
Until the modern era, privacy in the Middle East was rooted in the country’s cultural and religious values and those principles were deeply embedded in the Islamic Sharia law.
There are now more conscious efforts to prioritise privacy amid concerns that the old ways were not strong enough to navigate the requirements of the modern digital space.
However, for people interested in visiting the region, there are several practical steps to follow to further boost your chances of keeping your personal information away from prying eyes.
Data Privacy Meets Anti-Gambling Laws
While several Middle Eastern nations have tweaked their laws to improve data protection, gambling remains strictly prohibited in most countries.
For example, Kuwait’s strict anti-gambling laws make running or participating in such activities illegal within its borders. Despite the rules, citizens can still access online casinos in Kuwait, although they are operated and regulated by foreign companies.
These platforms are not subject to Kuwait’s local regulations, so using Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to access them is a sensible move to make.
Many players turn to VPNs to mask their location, allowing them to access iGaming platforms without the fear of drawing unwanted attention to themselves.
While VPNs provide much-needed extra security, it is important to choose reputable and reliable services to ensure your data remains protected at all times.
Major Legislative Developments Across the Middle East
Some Middle Eastern states have started taking notable steps to create robust data privacy frameworks, and these steps vary across each country.
For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) introduced the country’s first data protection law three years ago, which focused on principles such as informed consent.
The law requires individuals to be clearly informed about the data collection process, but it will not be initiated unless they give their consent. It also ensures that companies only collect what is necessary for their specific purpose.
Saudi Arabia also introduced its own Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) in 2021, but it was updated last year, with full compliance required by September 2024.
Their law goes one step further by allowing individuals the right to access and correct their data. Under certain circumstances, they can even request for their data to be deleted.
These tweaks to the law put businesses operating in Saudi Arabia on a tight leash. They are now threading a tightrope and must review how they handle personal data.
Other countries across the region, including Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain, are also taking a strong stance on protecting the data of their citizens.
Nevertheless, if you plan on stepping foot into the region, there are things you must consider to further protect your personal data from being exploited.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Data
The legal framework already in place across the region is a nice touch, but individuals also have to take matters into their own hands and implement practical measures to protect their data.
For instance, make sure to read the privacy policy carefully before using any online service, as it will provide you with the necessary information on how your data will be collected, used and potentially shared.
You also have to pay close attention to the permissions requested by apps on your devices and be mindful of what data you allow organisations to access.
Using strong passwords will also go a long way in preserving the integrity of your personal data. Make sure that you use unique and complex passwords for all your online accounts.
Be cautious when clicking on links or attachments in emails, especially when you cannot verify the source.
Most importantly, if you want to find out what personal data an organisation has access to, do not hesitate to request access or ask for it to be deleted as permitted by the law.
