Business · South Africa
Popia Protects Data Well, Paia Law Needs Updates - Info Regulator
TechCentral · 2026/01/28
Summary
The Information Regulator in South Africa has highlighted the importance of two key laws: the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) and the Promotion of Access to Information Act (Paia). Popia is working well to protect people's personal data and privacy. However, the Regulator says Paia, which helps people get access to public information, needs some changes to be more effective. They stress that managing data rights is not just about laws; it also needs technical knowledge to make sure the rules are properly followed and people's rights are protected. This mix of legal and technical skills is important for good governance of data in both public and private sectors. The oversight aims to improve how information is handled to benefit everyone, from individuals to businesses.
OnABudget takeaway: Understanding your rights under Popia helps protect your personal data from misuse, while improvements to Paia could make it easier to access important public information. This is important for consumers and small business owners who rely on data transparency and privacy.