Yes. The law provides specific exemptions under Article 23. These exemptions include: 

• Personal or family use : if you’re processing personal data strictly for your own private or family activities, PDPL provisions (e.g., on consent, data subjects’ rights, etc.) do not apply.  

• Regulatory exceptions : The Implementing Regulations also outline other exemptions, such as when processing is necessary for national security, public health emergencies, or compliance with legal obligations or court orders.

A Controller must conduct a formal assessment by: 

• Identifying the exemption e.g.: This is personal/family use, or This is for public health. 

• Documenting the rationale: explaining why the exemption applies and how it meets legal criteria. 

• Ensuring the scope is limited: exemptions should be narrowly applied and not used to bypass broader compliance. 

• Keeping records: including the exemption analysis and decisions so they can justify it to regulators if questioned.

If SDAIA (or another competent authority) determines the Controller misused an exemption: 

• The Controller may be called to explain or provide supporting records. 

• The exemption may be revoked, requiring the Controller to bring processing into full compliance with PDPL obligations. 

• Enforcement actions may follow, such as fines, correction orders, or other penalties appropriate to the violation.