The Information Regulator in South Africa will start enforcing the POPI Act and PAIA starting 1 July 2021.
If you came across this post you have no doubt searched for it. You probably want to find out if it’s something you and your business need to comply with. Or perhaps if there is someone out there that can assist you with the process.
To address the latter…yes, we can assist you. But more on that later.
To address the first issue: Do you need to comply with the act? Let’s dig in…
Every company needs to register an information officer by 31 March 2021. That’s simply the first step.
What is POPIA?
The Protection of Personal Information Act aims to do the following:
- Promoting the protection of personal information processed by public and private bodies
- To provide for the establishment of an Information Regulator to wield its powers and to perform duties and functions in terms of the Act.
- Issues Codes of Conduct
- Providing the rights of persons regarding unsolicited electronic communications and automated decision making
- Regulating the flow of personal information across the borders of RSA
WHO IS POPIA COMPLIANCE FOR?
Great question.
If you store ANY information of your clients, such as addresses, contact numbers, business details, etc…you need to get compliant. You also need to register an Information Officer. You need to develop a Compliance Plan. Your business also needs to acquire written authorization from its clients to store their data. Policies and Procedures need to be put in place for the protection of your clients’ data. All the data the business stores need to be made more secure. Lastly, you need to ask yourself if your company website is secure and compliant. If your website stores data of your clients, do you have measures in place to secure or encrypt it?
Do not let the jargon and mere fact that the word compliance is used deter you from taking action today. POPI and PAIA is not going away and accepting that you need to do some work to meet compliance is merely the first step.
You can contact us on 078 457 1188 or email James at agbs@agbussol.co.za for assistance. Alternatively, you could click here and send us a message so we can call you. We will guide you through this process one step at a time.