PoPI Act Almost Here, Non Compliance Could Result in Intense Legal Ramifications
- The Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) will come into effect on 1 July and businesses are rushing to be compliant before it is implemented
- PoPIA's implementation will emphasise South Africa's ability to promote data security in many aspects, including on social networking sites
- An issue being faced by a number of businesses that are not yet compliant is the possible legal ramifications of non-compliance, which range from fines to jail time
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1 July, 2021 will mark the date for which the Protection of Personal Information (PoPI) Act, or PoPIA, will be fully implemented as businesses hurry to ensure that they meet the standards of compliance.
The implementation of the PoPI Act in South Africa emphasises the country’s commitment to data security.
A key threat for businesses may come in the form of a regulator with the power to enforce substantial penalties following any infringement.
Source: Getty Images
Experts weigh in
Dr Peter Tobin, a PoPI Act compliance specialist, explained that major corporate clients are being issued with legal documentation from their customers requesting evidence of PoPIA compliance. Suppliers that can not provide evidence could see themselves being taken off supplier lists.
According toVentureburn, Media Works, in collaboration with IACT-Africa, has launched an online course titled 'Works' to promote a clear grasp and understanding of the PoPI act.
IOL spoke to labour law specialist Grant Wilkinson, whose views on the PoPI Act emphasise the importance of businesses, said that businesses need to ensure that they meet the compliance standards before the act is fully implemented.
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Previous reports on PoPIA
Briefly News reported that after a year of preparation and anticipation, the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPIA) enters into full effect as of 1 July, 2021. Many organisations are not taking the upcoming deadline well as they panic to get their affairs in order or face legal consequences.
Temporary Employment Service (TES) is a great asset in aiding organisations to navigate the legal compliance landscape. Ensuring your TES provider is PoPIA complaint will ensure, at the very least, that the staffing aspect of the business is compliant, giving businesses the opportunity to focus on other key areas that may need to be urgently addressed.
Businesses could be unknowingly in breach of the PoPIA act as the legislative landscape changes constantly.
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Source: Briefly News
