In development for the last 10 years or so, the entire Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) 4 of 2013 becomes effective on 1 July 2021. A lot of information has been published about how employers need to comply with this but how much do YOU really know about this Act?
What Is The Purpose Of POPIA?
POPIA has a number of purposes. The aim of the Act is to:
- To safeguard personal information
- Regulate the manner in which personal information may be processed
- Provide persons with rights and remedies to protect their personal information
- Establish voluntary and compulsory measures to ensure respect for – as well as to promote,
enforce and fulfil – the rights protected by this Act
What Does The Act Apply To?
This POPIA applies to the processing of personal information:
a) This is entered in a record by or for a responsible party by using automated or non-automated means, and
b) Where the responsible party is:
i. Domiciled in the Republic of South Africa (RSA); or
ii. Not domiciled in RSA but uses automated or non-automated means in the country.
Who Is Excluded From POPIA?
POPIA does not apply to the processing of personal information:
a) During a purely personal or household activity
b) That has been de-identified so that it cannot be re- identified
c) By or on behalf of a public body and:
i. Which involves national security
ii. The purpose of which is the prevention, detection, including assistance in the identification of
the proceeds of unlawful activities and the combating of money laundering activities,
investigation or proof of offences, the prosecution of offenders or the execution of sentences or
security measures
d) By the Cabinet and its committees or the Executive Council of a province; or
e) Relating to the judicial functions of a court
How To Learn More About POPIA
To learn more about POPIA, you need to attend our session on 19 May 2021. For more information and to book, please follow this link.