Joint Standard 1 of 2023 has been introduced to support compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Clear guidelines for data privacy, lawful processing, and security have been established, with an emphasis placed on transparency and accountability.
Under the standard, personal data must be collected for lawful, specific purposes and in minimal amounts. Consent is generally required unless processing is justified by law, contracts, or legitimate interests. Accuracy must be maintained, and data controllers are held accountable for compliance.
To prevent data breaches, technical and organizational safeguards must be implemented. Data subjects are granted rights to access, correct, or delete their personal information. When shared with third parties, equivalent data protection standards must be enforced.
Regulatory bodies are responsible for enforcement, and penalties for non-compliance can include fines or imprisonment. Organizations are expected to update policies, train staff, and conduct regular audits.
Who Must Comply?
The standard applies to all entities processing personal data in South Africa, including public and private organizations, financial institutions, and service providers. Data controllers, processors, and third-party vendors must all comply. Employees handling personal data must be trained, and internal systems must be regularly reviewed to ensure compliance.
By covering a broad range of sectors, Joint Standard 1 of 2023 ensures personal information is handled securely and lawfully, in line with POPIA.