Commencement of the Protection of Personal Information Act – 1 April 2020
17 Feb 2020
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a request from the Information Regulator Chairperson to declare that the remaining provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) commence on 1 April 2020.
If the President acts on the Information Regulator’s request, organisations will have until 31 March 2021 as a grace period to get their ‘house in order’.
To date, only certain sections of POPIA are in effect, such as those provisions concerning the establishment of the Information Regulator and the way in which regulations may be promulgated.
Once POPIA is in full effect, it will regulate the way in which public and private entities process personal information of both natural and juristic persons.
Non-compliance with POPIA may result in administrative fines of up to R10 million, imprisonment, civil damages and most importantly, reputational harm. It is important that all businesses ensure compliance with POPIA prior to its commencement.
Should you require any assistance with POPIA presentations, training, assessments and implementation plans, please contact our offices.
See also:
- PoPIA Regulations – Responsibilities of the information officer
- The role of directors in the age of cybercrime
- The search for your Information Officer begins now
Lara Wills
Lara Wills is a partner at Eversherds Sutherland's commercial department at the Durban office. During the course of her practice Lara advises, drafts and negotiates various commercial agreements and has... Read more about Lara Wills
Ishara McKenna
Ishara McKenna is an associate at Eversheds Sutherland (KZN) in the commercial department. She holds an LL.B. from the University of South Africa and an LL.M. in Public International Law... Read more about Ishara McKenna
