Data Protection Act grace period extended
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | 3050 Views |
Online: The new law provides protections for the use of personal and private data PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
While the law came into effect in October 2021, individuals and entities handling personal data were given until a year's grace period to comply with the requirements to ensure the protection of this data.
The grace period was extended to September 2023 and via a recent government gazette, has been further extended to September 2024 by the Ministry of State President. In a previous legal brief on the Act, experts at Peo Legal said the legislation clearly defines what constitutes personal data, which definition includes not only information by which persons can be identified but even that which makes them potentially identifiable whether directly or indirectly.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...