Freedom of Information

The policy establishes fundamental principles, controls, and responsibilities for SDAIA's freedom of information activities and organizes the process of publishing public information. It safeguards public information held by SDAIA and supports efforts to promote integrity by ensuring access to public information as a guaranteed human right.

Additionally, the policy contributes to improving commercial and economic performance through transparency and equitable access to public information, thereby enhancing competitiveness and equal opportunities.

The provisions of the Freedom of Information Policy shall apply to any requests submitted by individuals seeking access to public information produced by SDAIA, irrespective of its source, format, or nature. This includes, but is not limited to, paper records, electronic correspondence (i.e., emails), information stored on digital systems, audio and video recordings, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, and any other recorded forms of information.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this policy shall not extend to data hosted by SDAIA. Furthermore, the provisions of the Freedom of Information Policy shall exclude protected information, which is classified under relevant regulations as Top Secret, Secret, or Restricted.

• Data Management and Personal Data Protection Standards document issued by the National Data Management Office on January 1, 2021.
• Freedom of Information Policy issued by the National Data Management Office on May 5, 2020.

• Main Principles for Freedom of Information:

  1. Transparency: Every individual shall have the right to access information pertaining to SDAIA’s activities for the purpose of promoting the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
  2. Necessity and Proportionality: Any restrictions imposed on the right to request access to or obtain protected information received, produced, or managed by SDAIA shall be expressly and unequivocally justified.
  3. Public Information Disclosure: Every individual shall be entitled to access unprotected public information. Such access shall not be contingent upon the requestor possessing a specific status or demonstrating an interest in the information, nor shall the requestor be subject to any legal liability for exercising such right.
  4. Equality: All requests for access to or obtainment of public information shall be addressed equitably, ensuring equality and non-discrimination among all individuals.

• Rights of Individuals to Access or Obtain Public Information:

  1. The right to access and obtain any public information held by SDAIA, provided such information is not classified or otherwise protected.
  2. The right to be informed of the reasons for the refusal to grant access to or provide the requested information from SDAIA.
  3. The right to file a grievance against any decision denying a request to access or obtain the requested information from SDAIA.

• Main Requirements for the Request to Access or Obtain Public Information:

  1. Requests must be submitted through SDAIA's official website.
  2. Requests must explicitly specify that they pertain to accessing or obtaining public information produced by SDAIA.

• Freedom of Information and Open Data:

  SDAIA promotes open data programs and policies as a proactive measure to uphold the right to access public information. This is achieved by making available and publishing specific datasets of public information as open data prior to receiving formal requests for access or obtainment.