THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS IMPLEMENTED GDPR – IT MAY AFFECT YOU

04 Jun THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS IMPLEMENTED GDPR – IT MAY AFFECT YOU

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) became enforceable on the 25th of May. It is regarded as the world’s most comprehensive legislation protecting private data.

GDPR may be applicable to South Africans if your business provides goods or services in the EU, and in certain other circumstances. Speak to your accountant if in doubt – there are hefty penalties for non-compliance.

POPI

As you know, South Africa’s own privacy law POPI (the Protection of Personal Information Act) is expected to commence any day now, and that’s when the one year grace period clock will start ticking.

Judging by the extensive media coverage given to GDPR last week, POPI will have a substantial impact in South Africa. Although the one year grace period will give you a year before enforcement kicks in, if you haven’t already started getting ready for POPI, speak to your accountant about it and watch this space – we’ll compile a checklist on how POPI will affect you once POPI commences.