Data protection and privacy issues frequently intersect with other areas of the law. In addition to the Data Protection Report, Norton Rose Fulbright publishes other blogs covering important legal developments across the globe. These blogs sometimes touch on issues
Schrems: the global impact – how the ECJ ruling is affecting countries outside the EU and US
A number of jurisdictions around the world follow the lead from Europe in relation to data protection and impose similar restrictions on the export of personal data unless there is an “adequate level” of protection offered in the recipient jurisdiction. The EU Commission’s “US Safe Harbor” decision had permitted the transfer of personal data between Europe and the US by establishing that an adequate level of data protection was ensured by the EU-US Safe Harbor scheme.
South Africa places limits on internet activity tracking
Each device which accesses the internet is allocated a unique number (Internet Protocol or IP address) by its internet service provider (ISP). A record is created each time this IP address accesses a webpage, including the date, time and URL (website address) accessed. These records are stored by the ISP.
South Africa’s new Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill
The South African Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill expands on the original sections of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002 (ECTA) with the creation of 20 new cybercrime offences. This illustrates the extent to which technology is being used for unlawful purposes and the need to protect yourself in your activities online. Comments on the Bill are due by Monday, 30 November 2015.
South African perspective on ECJ Safe Harbour ruling
South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (POPI) is largely based on the principles of the EU data protection directive. This includes the requirement that personal information must be adequately protected when transferred cross-border (assuming none of the other grounds apply).
South Africa to appoint Information Regulator
The South African government recently announced that the nomination process for appointments to the office of the Information Regulator, under the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPI), will soon begin.
The Information Regulator is tasked with monitoring compliance