Qatar moves to protect personal data

Qatar recently took a step toward increased protection of personal data privacy when its emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, issued Law No. 13 of 2016.

The law applies only to data that is processed, gathered, or pulled through an electronic process or is being prepared for electronic processing. It does not apply to personal information used privately or in a family setting, or to data collected for professional statistics and surveys.

The law mandates that businesses cannot send direct marketing to customers or potential customers electronically without first gaining the customer's permission. It also aims to ensure that professionals who handle personal data are thoroughly trained and that they obey basic data protection guidelines.

Under the law, anyone who runs a website related to children must now post the organization’s policy on how minors’ information is handled. The website operators must also get permission from the child’s parents before utilizing the child’s information.