Can IT Companies make your business POPI compliant?

The Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act establishes the minimal criteria for ‘processing’ and accessing any personal information belonging to another individual.

South African companies have a legal obligation to implement data protection measures in order to achieve and maintain POPI Act compliance. These stages consist of obtaining authorisation to collect and use the information, ensuring that the information is accurate and comprehensive, and putting the appropriate security measures into place.

The Act applies to every person or organisation that maintains any kind of record pertaining to the personal information of anybody else, as long as such records are not subject to any other legislation that provides a higher level of protection for such information.

These obligations include getting consent before processing personal data, ensuring that data is accurate and secure, and putting suitable policies and processes into place. It is possible to incur serious consequences, such as fines and jail time, for failing to comply with the requirements.

The role of an IT Company in POPI Act compliance

In South Africa, an IT company may assist your company in becoming POPI compliant. They are able to offer a variety of services, including the following:

Assessment of the current compliance state of your organisation

An IT company may assist you in conducting an evaluation of the current compliance status of your organisation by conducting a review of your data gathering and storage practices, as well as your policies and processes. They will search for areas of your technology in which your company could be in violation of POPI, and then they will provide suggestions on how you can enhance your compliance with the regulations.

The formulation of policies and processes

Companies that specialise in information technology can be of assistance to you in formulating policies and procedures that are in accordance with POPI. These rules and procedures should address topics including the gathering of data, storage of that data, access to that data, and security of that data. They will make sure that your rules and procedures are easy to comprehend by ensuring that they are clear and concise.

Implementation of technical solutions

Information technology businesses may also assist you in the implementation of technological solutions that will assist you in protecting your personal information. Encryption, access restrictions, and the avoidance of data loss are all potential components of these systems. They will assist you in selecting the appropriate solutions for your company and will assist you in putting those solutions into action in the most effective manner.

Training of employees

Information technology providers may also assist you in training your team on how to comply with POPI regulations. This training should include the fundamentals of POPI in addition to your organisation’s unique rules and procedures. They will make sure that everyone in your team is aware of their obligations in accordance with POPI, and they will assist everyone in adhering to the law.

If you are thinking about becoming POPI compliant, it is in your best interest to collaborate with an IT company that has prior expertise in this field  to assist you in ensuring that your company is POPI Act compliant.

Also Read:POPIA, your business, third-party engagements and privacy laws relation explained