Science & Tech · AI · 1 day ago
AI use in hiring raises data privacy and job concerns in Saudi Arabia
Companies are using artificial intelligence for tasks such as screening job candidates and handling administrative work.
At a human resources summit in Riyadh, specialists in Saudi Arabia discussed the benefits and risks of this growing use.
They said AI can save time and effort, but storing applicants’ data outside the country could expose it to leaks or improper use.
They called for clear rules to protect data and guide how companies use the technology.
Specialists also warned that relying on AI too heavily could limit employees’ professional development, while changes to work structures could reduce the need for some roles.
They said companies may be able to move affected employees into other tasks rather than dismissing them.
The effect varies by job: AI can support some financial and legal work, but tasks such as financial auditing and court advocacy still require human involvement.
Human resources specialists in Saudi Arabia say growing use of artificial intelligence in hiring raises concerns about applicant data privacy, governance and the future of some jobs.
They warn that storing applicants’ data outside the country could expose it to leaks or improper use.
Specialists say excessive reliance on AI could limit employees’ professional development and reduce the need for some roles.
They also say AI can automate tasks and save time, while some university students argue it can support workers without replacing human expertise.
- Who
- Human resources specialists and university students in Saudi Arabia.
- What
- They discussed AI use in hiring and its effects on applicant data, jobs and employees.
- When
- The report was published on 10 October 2026; the comments were made at the Global Human Resources Summit in Riyadh.
- Where
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The expansion of companies’ use of AI is raising concerns about data privacy, governance and the future of some jobs.
AI supporters and users
Cautious human resources specialists
Effect on work
AI supporters and users
AI can automate tasks, save time and improve work performance.
Cautious human resources specialists
Excessive reliance on AI could limit employees’ development and reduce the need for some roles.
Employment
AI supporters and users
AI can support workers, and companies may reassign employees to other tasks rather than dismiss them.
Cautious human resources specialists
Introducing AI into work structures could eliminate some jobs or reduce demand for certain roles.
One of the main challenges associated with using artificial intelligence is storing job applicants’ data in databases outside the country, which could expose it to leaks or improper use.
Excessive reliance on artificial intelligence may limit employees’ professional development and weaken their understanding of the nature of their work, which could negatively affect productivity.
Introducing artificial intelligence into the development of work structures may lead to the elimination of some jobs or reduce the need for some job roles.
The impact of artificial intelligence on legal jobs is still limited.
Al Eqtisadiah published the report on AI use in the labor market and concerns about data privacy.
Human resources specialists shared concerns and views about AI use in hiring and the workplace.
- Publication date
- 10 October 2026
- Summit location
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Data concern
- Applicants’ information may be stored in databases outside the country.
- Recruitment use
- Some companies use AI to identify suitable job candidates.
- Potential response to job changes
- Companies may reassign employees to other tasks rather than dismiss them.
Sources
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