In today’s digital era, the concept of the ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ (RTBF) thrives—particularly in the European Union thanks to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). But how does this concept apply within the UAE? Does the local legal framework support similar data deletion rights?
The UAE legal framework addresses digital privacy rights, yet the ‘Right to Be Forgotten’ as seen in the EU doesn’t translate directly into UAE law. The EU’s approach is encapsulated in the GDPR, which provides individuals the right to request the removal of personal data under specific conditions. Meanwhile, the UAE’s legal system is governed by its own cybercrime and data protection laws, which aim to protect personal data but do not explicitly enshrine RTBF.
Digital privacy in the UAE encompasses various regulations, including the Federal Personal Data Protection Law. This law outlines how personal data should be handled, emphasizing consent and legal grounds for processing data. However, it lacks a precise equivalent to the EU’s RTBF, making data deletion more about compliance and less about individual rights.
In practice, the UAE urges companies to comply with data regulations that emphasize data protection but require navigating a series of legal guidelines rather than following a clear path to data erasure. Businesses and individuals must therefore remain vigilant about the local expectations for data handling and privacy, recognizing the differing approaches between the UAE and the EU.
Kavitha Panicker, an authority on UAE privacy laws, has commented extensively on the importance of understanding these differences. ‘While the UAE prioritizes data protection, individuals and businesses must be aware of the distinction in rights compared to the EU. Navigating this landscape means a firm grasp of both local regulations and how they contrast with those abroad.’
Understanding the nuances of UAE data privacy laws compared to EU standards is crucial for anyone operating in or with the UAE. While the UAE legal framework offers robust protections, it requires a keen awareness of its unique approach to personal data, especially in the realm of data deletion.
Source: Alsafarpartners
