The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor today issued an urgent circular to the heads of associations, civil society institutions, federations, and other civil society organizations regarding the protection of organizational data and the prohibition of collecting or sharing such data with entities not officially authorized by the Ministry, in order to safeguard the confidentiality of information and the integrity of civil society activities.

The circular, issued by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Mukhtar Al-Yafei, stated that the Ministry had received a report concerning the circulation of an electronic link intended to collect and update data on civil society organizations. The link requests detailed information about their capacities, operational scope, field reach, level of preparedness, and operational, institutional, and financial needs. The Ministry confirmed that the link belongs to an entity whose identity and legal status are unknown and which has not obtained any prior license or approval from the Ministry.

The circular warned against collecting sensitive data relating to organizations without a legal basis or official authorization, given the risks that such information could be exploited or used unlawfully, including for purposes of an intelligence-related nature that could affect national security. It stressed the need to protect the data of civil society organizations and their personnel.

The circular instructed all associations, civil society institutions, federations, and their personnel not to complete any links or data-collection forms, or provide information to any domestic or foreign entity, unless it has first been verified that the entity holds an official, written, and explicit authorization from the Ministry. It further called for the immediate cessation of the circulation or republication of any unauthorized links or surveys and their deletion from communication channels, electronic groups, and social media platforms.

The circular further required anyone who has published or promoted the link referred to in the report, or any similar links, to notify the organizations and individuals to whom the link was provided that they must not complete or engage with it. It also prohibited the collection of any data relating to organizations or their personnel without the Ministry’s prior written approval. The Ministry warned that legal and administrative measures would be taken against violators, including suspension of activities, revocation of licenses, and referral of suspicious activities to the competent authorities, in accordance with the law.

The Ministry emphasized that the circular takes effect as of the date of its issuance and that all its provisions must be implemented immediately, pursuant to Law No. (1) of 2001 on Associations and Civil Society Institutions and its Executive Regulations, in order to safeguard the public interest and protect the work of civil society organizations.