The Ministry of Interior has reinforced its commitment to ensuring compliance with the Law of the Use of Security Surveillance Cameras by imposing strict penalties on those who violate its provisions.

The law, which came into effect on October 3, 2022, establishes specific guidelines for the installation, use, and storage of security camera footage in the Kingdom. Violators risk significant fines for both technical and installation violations as well as for the illegal distribution or publication of recordings.

Under the law, those found guilty of illegal publication of surveillance footage or unauthorized transfer as well as damage or destruction of security cameras or recordings could pay fines up to SR20,000, By guaranteeing that access and distribution stay tightly under control, the legislation seeks to safeguard privacy, preserve national security, and stop the abuse of security recordings. Only authorities authorized to sanction the transfer or dissemination of recordings are the Ministry of Interior and the Presidency of State Security. Sometimes a court ruling or a request from a competent investigating agency could potentially provide access to such video.

Apart from fines for illegal distribution, the regulation also specifies the technical and installation criteria for security cameras. Every surveillance camera or equipment that falls short of technical requirements will be fined SR500. Furthermore, individuals who neglect to install cameras in line with the guidelines specified in the Request for Proposal (RFP) would be fined SR1,000 each device. These rules guarantee that surveillance tools satisfy quality criteria, thereby improving the efficiency of security monitoring in several sites.

Retention of security recordings is still another important issue of the law. Particularly in relation to a reported incidence, the legislation requires that footage be kept safely and unmodified until investigative processes are finished, Any neglect of legal mandated recording retention could result in fines ranging from SR5,000, This measure guarantees that important video evidence stays accessible for security and legal needs, therefore preventing early deletion of film or manipulation.

The law covers a broad spectrum of institutions, including public, commercial, and industrial places, however it does not cover individual residences and complexes even though, This exemption is meant to honor personal privacy while preserving security criteria in places where public safety calls for constant monitoring.

The regulation aims to stop illegal access, data leaks, and use of recorded footage by controlling security camera installation and operation, hence guaranteeing Saudi Arabia's dedication to improving national security and safeguarding of personal privacy. Furthermore the implementation of technical criteria and storage needs guarantees that surveillance systems stay efficient in helping security officials with their investigations.

The Ministry of Interior has advised everyone and companies liable by law to follow its rules, Operators of security cameras have to make sure their systems satisfy the necessary criteria, that recordings are kept safely, and that material is not shared without appropriate permission, Ignoring these guidelines could cause major financial fines and maybe even legal repercussions.