Regulationsby GlyphMiddle East and Africa data protection laws
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and more.
7 countries and blocs with tracked laws (US states on the US map). Tap one to open it.
Regulations
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Egypt PDPLEgypt's data protection law covers personal data processed electronically. It sets consent and lawful processing rules, strict rules for sensitive data and cross-border transfers, and a licensing and permit system run by the Personal Data Protection Center. The Executive Regulations were only issued in November 2025, which starts a one-year window to comply.Next: Nov 2 One-year compliance window ends · in 6 days
UAE Child Digital Safety LawSets child safety duties for internet service providers and digital platforms that operate in or target the UAE, from social media and games to e-commerce. Platforms may not process personal data of children under 13 without verifiable parental consent and must use age verification and risk-based controls. A 2026 Cabinet Resolution bars social media accounts for children under 15 and restricts accounts for 15 year olds.Next: Jan 1, 2027 Compliance deadline under the Decree by Law · in 2 monthsBahrain PDPLBahrain's general data protection law. It sets lawful bases for processing, stricter rules for sensitive data, individual rights, transfer limits and registration duties, and creates the Personal Data Protection Authority. It carries both administrative and criminal penalties.In effect since Aug 1, 2019
Israel Privacy Protection Law Amendment 13Major overhaul of Israel's privacy law: broadens definitions (personal and highly sensitive information), narrows database registration, requires privacy protection officers for certain entities, and gives the Privacy Protection Authority powers to impose large administrative fines and orders, plus statutory damages.In effect since Aug 14, 2025
Kenya Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes ActKenya's main cybercrime law. It creates offences such as unauthorised access, interference, cyber harassment and false publication, sets up a National Computer and Cybercrimes Co-ordination Committee, and requires critical infrastructure owners to report threatening incidents. The 2025 amendment adds identity theft rules and lets the Committee order websites or apps that promote unlawful activity, child sexual content, terrorism or extremism to be blocked.In effect since May 30, 2018Kenya Data Protection ActKenya's GDPR-inspired data protection law establishing the ODPC, mandatory registration of data controllers and processors, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification to the Commissioner, DPIAs, and conditions on cross-border transfers (with some data localisation for strategic public interest processing).In effect since Nov 25, 2019
Nigeria NDPANigeria's primary data protection statute, establishing the NDPC, lawful bases, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification, and special duties for data controllers and processors of major importance (registration, DPO, compliance audits). The GAID 2025 supersedes the NDPR 2019 and its Implementation Framework with detailed rules on audits, DPIAs, transfers and more.In effect since Jun 12, 2023Rwanda DPP LawRwanda's data protection law, modelled on the GDPR. Controllers and processors must register with the supervisory authority, report breaches within 72 hours, and store personal data in Rwanda unless they hold a certificate allowing storage abroad. Cross-border transfers need authorisation or another listed ground.In effect since Oct 15, 2021
Saudi PDPLSaudi Arabia's comprehensive data protection law with implementing regulations and separate transfer regulations: legal bases, data subject rights, breach notification to SDAIA within 72 hours, DPO and registration requirements, and restrictions on transfers outside the Kingdom.In effect since Sep 14, 2023
South Africa Cybercrimes ActCreates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.In effect since Dec 1, 2021South Africa POPIASouth Africa's comprehensive data protection law built on eight conditions for lawful processing, with Information Officer registration, security compromise notification to the Regulator and data subjects, and restrictions on direct marketing and cross-border transfers. Protects juristic persons as well as individuals.In effect since Jul 1, 2020UAE PDPLFederal GDPR-style data protection law for the onshore UAE covering consent and other bases, data subject rights, breach notification, DPOs and cross-border transfers. Key details (including fines and some thresholds) depend on Executive Regulations that have not been issued.In effect since Jan 2, 2022
Upcoming deadlines
Egypt PDPLOne-year compliance window endsArticle 6 of the issuing law gives those covered one year from the issue of the Executive Regulations to comply. The decree's signing date was not shown, so this date is counted from publication and is an estimate.EgyptUAE Child Digital Safety LawCompliance deadline under the Decree by LawArticle 18: those covered must comply within one year from entry into force. The Cabinet may extend this.United Arab EmiratesUAE Child Digital Safety LawSocial media platforms' transition endsArticle 8 of Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2026 gives platforms 12 months from entry into force to comply.United Arab Emirates