Protecting data has become a crucial topic for several governments and human rights organizations, since technology has allowed enterprises to collect and store tremendous amounts of information about people.
That’s why there has been increasing talk about the UAE’s new law: The New Data Law. This new regulation is intended to protect the privacy of individuals and companies, as it is not uncommon for some entities to exploit individuals’ personal data for profit or illegal activities.
Minister Omar Al Olama
One of the most influential people in relation to this new law is surely Omar Al Olama, who deals with digital economy, artificial intelligence and remote work.
The law is part of a much larger project called “Projects of the 50”. This aims to chart the country’s growth over the next 50 years in terms of economy, politics and socialization.
Regarding the New Data Law, the minister said that it “will allow companies and individuals to have full control over their data”. Everyone will know where information is shared, stored and used.
Additionally, the law will “work with the private sector to ensure that our mindset of being a global country continues“.
The impact of the new data law on businesses and individuals
A law that ensures businesses’ data is protected will have a huge impact on the economy. Businesses will have the chance to meet global standards while reducing costs.
At the same time, the New Data Law will help the average citizen enjoy full rights. To give an example, the level of privacy of any UAE citizen will be much higher than that of an average US citizen.
The law is expected to go into effect in 2022, representing just a start for the UAE and the Middle East to take the protection of people’s data. The next country to potentially implement data and privacy laws will be Saudi Arabia.
After all, since the UAE is one of the most international countries in the world, data protection is crucial for everyone. As Mr. Al Olama said, “The law is a global law,” so they need to make cross-border transfers smooth and clean.
That is why the law will not be a “localized law“, but a global law. Specifically, the advantages of this law are:
- Low compliance cost for SMEs;
- Allowing international companies in the UAE to do cross-border operations; and
- Keeping the privacy of individuals safe from companies that want to monetize customer data
Conclusions
Ensuring the protection of personal data to both companies and citizens will be a big step for Middle East countries, which with numerous international residents and companies require flexibility.
We are just at the beginning of a new phase for the UAE: with the implementation of the New Data Law everyone will have a big opportunity to grow.
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