The Digital Government Authority (DGA), which oversees all matters related to the digital government in Saudi Arabia, has issued a circular to all government agencies and their affiliated or associated entities confirming the need to obtain prior approval from the Authority before establishing any new platform. The platforms include mobile applications and websites in all domains, integration channels, and digital services, whether they will be launched directly through the entity or a contracting company. This comes as a part of the Authority's efforts to develop the regulatory environment for the digital government. The circular is part of the Authority's efforts related to regulating digital government work and platforms, websites, services, networks, and the unified national portal. This is in addition to organizing operations and management and related projects, circulating them to the relevant authorities, and monitoring their compliance. This includes developing plans, programs, and indicators related to digital government work. The Digital Government Authority Governor Eng. Ahmed Bin Mohammad Al-Suwaiyan explained that the circular aims to regulate the governmental digital work within government agencies, enabling them to provide an integrated and effective digital experience that meets citizens' needs. Moreover, the circular supports developing a proactive digital government capable of delivering highly efficient digital services, achieving integration in the digital government field among different government agencies, and enhancing the private sector's investment landscape. Eng. Al-Suwaiyan stressed the importance of the directives included in the circular, given the need to join forces between all sectors and strengthen the partnership between the Authority and government agencies. He pointed out that electronic transactions, services, and technical infrastructure are the main elements of Saudi Vision 2030. He added that in light of Saudi Arabia's expansion in providing electronic services and the rise in technology usage, the Authority aims to direct national efforts toward achieving integration between government digital platforms and provide a national framework to support government efforts. These efforts intend to harmonize government procedures, achieve optimal investment for existing assets, improve operational efficiency, follow safe practices for dealing with technology, and protect information, data, and systems of national authorities in Saudi Arabia. The Authority also seeks to enable national agencies and the private sector to invest and create a vibrant environment for innovation in digital platforms, Eng. Al-Suwaiyan said. The circular clarified that obtaining approval requires filling out the necessary form and submitting applications by visiting dga.gov.sa/platforms. — SPA
