The Joburg Centre for Software Engineering (JCSE) at Wits University says that IT businesses need to be aware of the implications of the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, signed into law on 26 November 2013.
JCSE director Prof Barry Dwolatzky says that POPI regulates how anyone who processes personal information must securely manage this information.
“While the law is not yet in force, it is very important for businesses to ensure that they can comply with its stringent requirements.”
Dwolatzky says that while Government still has to announce a commencement date, IT businesses must use the time to adequately prepare and ensure they are compliant.
“When POPI commences it will place stringent responsibilities on companies accountable for managing personal information. There will be severe penalties if the Act is not complied with, which could also include a prison sentence.”
The Act applies to any information regarding customers or suppliers, including contact details and correspondence; human resources and payroll data; curricula vitae, applications for employment, CCTV records, performance reviews and internal e-mail records. POPI also covers cross-border data transfer requirements, as information may not be relocated to countries with inadequate information protection frameworks.
With an objective to improve IT processes and educate IT professionals, the JCSE in collaboration with Jozihub, will be hosting an information session where POPI and its impact on IT professionals will be explored.
Guest speaker, Danie Strachan, Partner at Adams and Adams and a member of the Law Society of the Northern Province and a fellow of the South African Institute of Intellectual Property Law, will provide much needed insight into POPI and what IT professionals need to know.
Details of the information session:
* Date – Wednesday 16 Apr 2014;
* Time – 18:00 to 20:00;
* Venue – Jozi Hub 44 Stanley Road Milpark, Johannesburg;
* To register visit http://www.quicket.co.za/events/4726-the-popi-act/; and
* Media contact is samantha@wattcommunications.co.za.