The Legal Framework for E-Government and its Impact on Improving Public Services: An Analytical Study of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Experience in Light of Vision 2030

Abstract

This research examines the legal framework for e-government in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, highlighting the essential role of legislation in improving the quality of public services and facilitating user access, within the context of the ambitious goals set by Saudi Vision 2030 for comprehensive digital transformation and the building of a smart and efficient government.

The research is divided into two main sections: The first reviews the historical and conceptual development of e-government and digital public administration, highlighting the levels of transformation witnessed by the Kingdom—from mere information dissemination to providing interactive and integrated services.

The second section analyzes the existing legislative framework, providing a critical review of the Electronic Transactions Law, the Personal Data Protection Law, and the Anti-Cyber Crime Law, while evaluating their adequacy in keeping pace with rapid technological leaps and the regulatory role of the Digital Government Authority.

The study identifies a set of legal challenges facing practical application, most notably: privacy protection and data security issues in the digital environment, full legal recognition of electronic signatures across all transactions, legal liability for errors resulting from technical systems, as well as challenges related to the digital divide and the technical and legislative integration among various government entities.

The research concludes with the necessity of moving from fragmented regulation to an integrated regulatory framework that aligns with future prospects. It recommends that the Saudi legislator adopt the "Privacy by Design" principle as a fundamental pillar, update legislation to address emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Smart Contracts, and enhance mechanisms for transparency, accountability, and oversight to ensure a secure and reliable digital government environment, contributing to the Kingdom's global leadership in the field of digital governance.