What does Freedom of Information mean:

A set of rules and procedures that regulate the practice of accessing public information related to the ministry’s activities, in order to promote the principle of transparency and the free exchange of such information.

Main Principles of Freedom of Information:

The Saudi Space Agency relies on the following principles for Freedom of Information:

First: Transparency

The right to know information related to the activities of public entities to enhance the principle of transparency.

Second: Necessity and Proportionality

Access to or obtaining data should not be restricted except by justified, clear, and explicit limitations.

Third: Equality

Treating all applicants equally and without discrimination.

Fourth: Disclosure as the Default for Public Information

Every individual has the right to access public information that is not classified under any level of confidentiality or restriction, and it is not necessary for the individual to have a specific status.

Introduction to Freedom of Information Policy

The Saudi Space Agency has developed a Freedom of Information policy in alignment with the National Data Management and Governance policies issued by the National Data Management Office. The aim is to promote the principles of transparency and individuals' rights to access or obtain public information.

Scope and Usage of the Policy

The Policy applies to any requests submitted by individuals to access or obtain (unprotected) public information produced by the Agency, regardless of its source, form, or nature.

The policy shall not apply to protected information, including the following:

• Information that, if disclosed, may harm national security, policies, interests or rights;
• Military and security information;
• Documents and information obtained in agreement with another state and classified as protected;
• Inquiries, investigations, checks, inspections, and monitoring operations in respect of a crime, violation, or threat;
• Information comprising recommendations, suggestions, or consultations for issuing a governmental legislation or decision that is not made yet;
• Commercial, industrial, financial or economic information that, if disclosed, may result in gaining profits or avoiding losses in an illegitimate manner;
• Scientific or technological research, or rights including intellectual property rights, that, if disclosed, may result in infringement of a legal right;
• Information on competitions, tenders, and bids that, if disclosed, may violate fair competition;
• Information which is deemed Restricted or personal under another law or requires certain legal actions to be accessed or obtained.

Rights of Individuals to Access or Obtain Public Information:

• The right to access and obtain any (unprotected) public information held by the Agency;
• The right to be informed about the reason for denial of the request to access or obtain the required information; and
• The right to appeal any decision denying a request to access or obtain the required information.

Data Access or Obtainment Process

Main requirements for the request to access or obtain public information:

• A “public information request form”, as approved by the public entity, shall be filled in.
• A request shall clearly state that it is for the purposes of access to or obtainment of public information.

Process for Requesting Access to or Obtainment of Public Information

First: Requests shall be submitted to the Agency by filling out a “public information request form” – in an electronic or paper format.

Second: The agency receives the request for access to or obtaining public information and takes one of the following actions:

Approval:  If the Agency approves the request for access to or obtaining the information in full or in part, the individual should be notified in writing or electronically about the applicable fees for providing this information.

Denial:  If the request for access to or obtaining the information is denied, the individual should be notified in writing or electronically of the reasons for the rejection, if possible, and how to exercise the right to appeal.

Extension: If the request cannot be processed in due time, the individual should be notified in writing or electronically of the expected completion date and how to exercise the right to appeal.

 

Notice: If the requested information is available on the agency's website or does not fall within its competence, the individual should be notified in writing or electronically about the type of notice and how to exercise the right to appeal.

Third:  Should an applicant intend to appeal a decision of denial by the agency, a written or electronic notice of appeal can be submitted to the agency's Data Governance team within a maximum of 10 working days from the date of receiving the Agency’s decision, and the team shall review the application and make the appropriate decision.

 

To contact the Data Governance team, Email: DMO@Ssa.Gov.Sa

 

Relevant Legislation

National Data Governance Interim Regulations issued by the National Data Management Office.