Skip to main content
NOPE
In Effect Law Data Protection Context Relevance

Bahrain PDPL

Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 30 of 2018)

Bahrain's GDPR-aligned data protection law with automated decision-making restrictions and Data Protection Guardian requirement.

Jurisdiction

Bahrain

BH

Enacted

Jul 19, 2018

Effective

Aug 1, 2019

Enforcement

Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA)

GDPR-aligned framework

Who Must Comply

This law applies to:

  • • Data controllers and processors in Bahrain
  • • Entities processing data of Bahraini residents
  • • High-risk automated processing

Capability triggers:

◐ highRiskProcessing (increases)
● automatedDecisionMaking (required)
● Required ◐ Increases applicability

Who bears obligations:

Data ControllerData Processor

Safety Provisions

  • • Automated decision-making restrictions
  • • Data Protection Guardian required for certain entities
  • • Data Protection Impact Assessment for high-risk processing
  • • 72-hour breach notification
  • • Cross-border transfer restrictions

Enforcement

Enforced by

Personal Data Protection Authority (PDPA)

Penalties

BHD 50K

Max fine: $50,000

Fines up to BHD 50,000

Quick Facts

Binding
Yes
Mental Health Focus
Yes
Child Safety Focus
No
Algorithmic Scope
Yes

Why It Matters

Bahrain's GDPR-aligned framework with Data Protection Guardian requirement creates familiar compliance pathway for European AI companies expanding to Gulf markets.

Cite This

APA

Bahrain. (2018). Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 30 of 2018). Retrieved from https://nope.net/regs/bh-law-30-2018

BibTeX

@misc{bh_law_30_2018,
  title = {Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 30 of 2018)},
  author = {Bahrain},
  year = {2018},
  url = {https://nope.net/regs/bh-law-30-2018}
}

Related Regulations

In Effect IL • Data Protection

Israel Privacy Amendment 13

Israel's most significant privacy reform in 40 years, explicitly covering AI systems. Requires Data Protection Officers (DPOs) for entities processing sensitive data at scale, mandates Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) before AI deployment, and enhances Protection of Privacy Authority enforcement powers. One of first data protection laws to explicitly require DPIAs before AI development or deployment.

In Effect JO • Data Protection

Jordan PDPL

Jordan's data protection law with medical data processing exceptions, data portability rights, and oversight including security services.

In Effect SA • Data Protection

Saudi Arabia PDPL

Saudi Arabia's comprehensive personal data protection law with extraterritorial scope, DPO requirements for sensitive processing, and National Data Governance Platform registration.

In Effect EG • AI Safety

Egypt AI Strategy 2025

Ambitious national strategy positioning Egypt as regional AI hub for Africa and Middle East. Targets 7.7% ICT sector GDP contribution by 2030, training 30,000 AI specialists, establishing 250 AI companies. Built on six strategic pillars: governance, infrastructure, technology, data, ecosystem, and talent. Accompanied by Egyptian Charter for Responsible AI (April 2023) with ethics principles.

In Effect QA • AI Safety

Qatar QCB AI Guidelines

Binding AI governance requirements for Qatar's financial sector. Mandates board-level accountability, risk assessments, human-in-the-loop for high-impact decisions, and prior QCB approval for high-risk AI systems.

In Effect AE • Online Safety

UAE Media Law

Comprehensive media regulation requiring licensing for all digital platforms, social media operations, and influencers. 20 binding content standards with significant penalties.

Back to all regulations Check if this applies to you