Communications and Information Technology Commission Issues Cloud Computing Regulation

The

Communications and Information Technology Commission issued a regulatory framework for cloud computing after studying and evaluating the experiences of other countries and taking public comments into account. The framework includes the regulations, obligations and rights for both cloud computing service providers and users — individuals, and the government and private sectors.

The Commission explained that the regulatory framework aims to develop the telecommunications and IT sector, provide a suitable environment to attract local and international investors, localize cloud computing services, and encourage the adoption of related solutions and technologies in the Kingdom to enhance performance, productivity and flexibility for government entities and the private sector and improve the quality of these services in the Kingdom, noting that cloud computing services will contribute to enabling the knowledge economy and information society and encouraging individuals and the government and private sectors toward digital transformation, in fulfilment of the objectives of the National Transformation Program 2020 and Saudi Vision 2030.

The Commission confirmed that the cloud computing regulatory framework would come into effect 30 days after this announcement, and invited specialists and interested parties in this regard to review the regulatory framework document via the Commission's website (www.cst.gov.sa).

It is worth noting that cloud computing services are characterized by reduced operating costs, ease of access, and guaranteed service continuity and a high level of protection, which further supports entrepreneurship and encourages small and medium enterprises to make use of these services.