The Syrian Arab Republic has not joined any agreement with binding commitments to open transfers of data across borders.

Law No. 12 regarding the Protection of Electronic Personal Data on the Network establishes a comprehensive regime for data protection in the Syrian Arab Republic. It grants rights to data subjects and designates the authority responsible for enforcing personal data protection.

Art. 3.a.1 of the Cybercrime Law mandates that internet service providers (ISPs) retain traffic data pertaining to all subscribers for a duration specified by the competent authorities. In addition, Art. 4 of the same legislation obliges ISPs to preserve copies of both traffic data and hosted digital content.

Art. 61 of the Law on Media stipulates that online media outlets are required to retain a copy of all published content in its various forms, as well as traffic data enabling the verification of the identity of individuals contributing to such content on the network, for a period determined by the Council. These data and materials shall be subject to professional confidentiality; however, they must be disclosed to the judicial authority upon request.

It is reported that there is a severe shortage of original software editions in Syrian markets. As a result, the majority of software available consists of unauthorised copies. Software piracy is therefore practised not only by consumers but also by marketers. In addition, it is reported that software piracy is socially accepted in Syria, which undermines the enforcement of legal frameworks and contributes to a reluctance to implement deterrent regulations governing intellectual property rights.

The Syrian Arab Republic has not signed the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Copyright Treaty.

The Syrian Arab Republic has not signed the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Performances and Phonograms Treaty.

The Syrian Arab Republic is not a signatory of the 1996 World Trade Organization (WTO) Information Technology Agreement (ITA) nor the 2015 expansion (ITA II). In fact, the country is not a member of the WTO.

Art. 11.6 of Law No. 51 stipulates that any individual or entity seeking to participate in a tender must satisfy the following condition: they shall neither own any plant, enterprise, or branch office in Israel, nor hold any interest in a firm or organisation established therein. They must not be party to any contract for manufacturing, assembly, licensing, or technical assistance with any Israeli firm, organisation, or body, nor engage in such activities within Israel either directly or through intermediaries.

Reports indicate that corruption within Syria’s public procurement processes is widespread, affecting territories under the control of various factions involved in the civil conflict. These procurement mechanisms are systematically exploited to advance the interests of government officials and affiliated business entities. In many instances, tenders are not publicly disclosed but are instead selectively distributed to individuals with political connections.

The Syrian Arab Republic is not a party to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA). In fact, the country is not a member of the WTO.

Syria enforces a comprehensive boycott of Israel, which constitutes a total prohibition on Israeli investment in Syria rather than a mere restriction on foreign equity participation. The Arab League, of which Syria is a member, has maintained a boycott of Israeli enterprises since its inception in 1948. Syrian law obliges compliance with, and cooperation in, this international boycott. In this context, Art. 1 of Law No. 286 of 1956 provides that it is prohibited for any natural or legal person to conclude, either directly or indirectly, any form of agreement with entities or individuals residing in Israel, affiliated with it by nationality, or acting on its behalf. It also prohibits dealings with domestic or foreign companies and establishments that maintain interests, branches, or general agencies in Israel.

Pursuant to Arts. 4 and 7 of the Executive Instructions for Investment Law No. 18, an investor is required to obtain an investment licence in order to establish a new economic enterprise within the communication and technology sector. The granting of such a licence constitutes formal authorisation to commence the establishment of the investment project. The Syrian Investment Agency issues the licence following a series of prescribed procedures, which include the submission of an economic and technical feasibility study for the proposed undertaking. In accordance with Art. 8, the investment licence shall only be conferred after the investor’s application has been duly examined by the competent authorities from a technical perspective.