User Rights

The Kingdom of Bahrain is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation through structured access to government-held information. This commitment is based in Decree-Law No. 16 of 2014 concerning the Protection of State Information and Documents. The law classifies state information into the following categories:

• Top Secret: Disclosure could severely threaten national security or the sovereignty of the state.
• Secret: Disclosure could harm national security or the state’s interests.
• Restricted/Confidential: Disclosure could result in limited harm to public or government interests.

Information not classified under the above categories is considered public and may be accessible, subject to regulations that ensure data protection and national integrity. In 2023, Royal Decree-Law No. 14 introduced amendments that strengthened Bahrain’s information governance, including the creation of a national data center to securely store and manage government data across all sectors.

As part of its digital transformation, Bahrain has adopted an Open Data Policy, which encourages the publication of non - sensitive datasets for public use.These datasets support innovation, research, and informed decision-making across sectors, including:

• Education
• Environment
• Economy
• Healthcare

Public data is made accessible via the national open data portal

Health sector transparency is a major focus of Bahrain’s open data and digital governance strategies.While personal medical records remain confidential and are protected by law, general health data is made available to the public. This includes:

• National health statistics and annual reports
• Communicable disease prevention programs
• Healthcare facility directories
• Licensing information for health professionals

These resources, accessible through Bahrain's Open Data Portal, support health research, improve service delivery, and empower individuals to make informed decisions.

Bahrain upholds Digital Government as a Right, ensuring every resident can access digital public services conveniently and equitably.This policy is part of a broader vision to create a modern, transparent, and citizen-centered digital government. Key Initiatives Include:

• Free Internet Access: Public Wi-Fi is available in locations such as shopping malls and government service centers. Through partnerships with telecom providers, access to essential e-government services is free of charge.
• Enhanced Network Infrastructure: Bahrain is a regional leader in 5G deployment, ensuring high-speed internet access across the Kingdom to support digital inclusion.
• Digital Literacy Programs: Government service centers and partner organizations offer digital skills training to help users effectively engage with online platforms.
• Assisted Digital Services: For residents without personal internet or devices, service centers provide on-site assistance to access digital government services.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: The government regularly conducts outreach via SMS, email, social media, and public events to promote awareness and encourage the use of digital services.

Through a combination of robust legal frameworks, digital infrastructure, and inclusive service initiatives, Bahrain is advancing a governance model built on transparency, accessibility, and innovation.Citizens and residents alike benefit from increasing access to information—particularly in essential areas like health—while being empowered to interact with the government digitally and securely.