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Oman – The impact of the GDPR outside the EU

07.10.19
1
Written by
Al Tamimi & Co, the leading choice for companies locally, in the Middle East region and from around the globe.
Although there is no specific data protection law in Oman the Electronic Transactions Law and general privacy protection provide some safeguards for personal data.

There is currently no modern data protection law in Oman, and there is accordingly no Data Protection Authority. There are Oman law considerations that could be material in the context of considering personal data processing activities, either in an HR context or more broadly. Of specific relevance is the Electronic Transactions Law (Royal Decree 69/2008), which prohibits data processing that prejudices the data subject’s rights, and which introduces security considerations applicable when transferring personal data abroad. Additionally, there are general provisions in Omani law protecting privacy and providing for remedies where someone causes damage to another. Depending on the circumstances of a data breach, it may be prudent to consider notifying law enforcement authorities and affected individuals, although there is no generally applicable legal obligation to do so.

Authors
Nick O'Connell
Nick O’Connell
Partner - Saudi Arabia
Al Tamimi & Co (Saudi Arabia)