Ethical and Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence in Infection Prevention and Control: A Saudi Arabian Perspective (Preprint)

Abstract

<sec> <title>UNSTRUCTURED</title> The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in infection prevention and control (IPC) is reshaping healthcare as we know it, making it possible to detect outbreaks earlier, monitor infections more effectively, and keep patients safer. In Saudi Arabia, these advances closely align with the ambitions of Vision 2030 and national strategies led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). But with this rapid progress comes a new set of ethical and legal questions, especially around patient rights, data protection, bias in algorithms, and who is held responsible when things go wrong. This article takes a closer look at these concerns within the Saudi healthcare landscape. It explores key issues such as informed consent, fairness, transparency, and the protection of patient confidentiality, through the lens of both global ethical standards and local laws, especially the Kingdom’s Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). It also examines challenges that are still evolving, like questions of legal liability and the ownership of health data. Importantly, the discussion is grounded in values drawn from Islamic bioethics, maslahah (public interest), adl (justice), and amanah (trust), as well as contributions from Saudi legal scholars. By weaving together technological innovation, legal insight, and cultural values, this article offers a balanced framework for using AI in healthcare that respects both global norms and the unique ethical fabric of Saudi society. This is the first integrated Saudi legal–ethical framework for AI in IPC. </sec>

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