Information Regulator to Address PAIA, Big Tech Investigations in Press Briefing

The Information Regulator of South Africa is set to hold a press briefing on 11 September 2024, to provide key updates on its activities since the start of the financial year in April. The briefing will cover significant developments, including high-profile cases under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), such as an Enforcement Notice issued against the State Security Agency and ongoing investigations into major tech companies like Meta, Google, and TikTok. The issue of non-compliance by public bodies with section 32 of PAIA’s reporting requirements will also be discussed.

Further, the Regulator will share progress on matters related to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), particularly updates on the Direct Marketing Guidance Note. The event will also highlight preparations for the upcoming International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), which will take place in both South Africa and Ghana this year.

This press briefing marks a significant moment in the Regulator’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with both PAIA and POPIA, while also addressing the broader impact of global tech giants on personal data and privacy in South Africa.