https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx Webber Wentzel feed en-us Copyright 2020 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 18:24:01 +0200 Sample Code http://server/image.jpg https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx 84602a0d-1035-4990-854e-dc235f3705f7 f094b564-37b6-417b-90dd-7e52dd028ace https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sharing-is-caring-the-electronic-communications-amendment-bill-of-2026.aspx On 20 April 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies introduced the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill of 2026 in the National Assembly, which proposes amendments to the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005. 2026-04-21T22:00:00Z 47e7acdd-e78e-48df-b775-a55296beb073 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/opting-out-the-amendment-to-the-consumer-protection-act-regulations.aspx Unsolicited direct marketing, including spam calls, SMSs, and messaging via digital platforms has become a persistent issue for consumers in South Africa, who are increasingly exposed to high volumes of unwanted communications. 2026-04-19T22:00:00Z 425d179c-8356-4736-9740-a5c6573cf911 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/proposed-amendments-to-icasas-regulations-on-technical-equipment-and-facilities.aspx On 17 November 2025, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa published draft amendments to the Official List of Regulated Standards for Technical Equipment and Electronic Communications Facilities Regulations. 2025-12-02T22:00:00Z 1966088a-3b9d-407c-b5db-4954e0d02222 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/New-standard-operating-procedures-for-the-investigation-search-access-or-seizure-of-cyber-articles.aspx The new standard operating procedures for cyber investigations outline guidelines for conducting searches, seizing evidence, and accessing digital data while protecting individuals' rights. 2023-11-29T22:00:00Z 4f1fe7f4-df8d-4761-bfbc-8c2dbd6800d3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-proposed-code-of-conduct-the-residential-communities-council.aspx The Residential Communities Council has submitted a proposed code of conduct for its members to the Information Regulator, which will guide how they handle personal information. 2023-09-12T22:00:00Z 31e35545-62c2-49de-a650-3e0383428ad2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-takes-action-against-department-of-justice-and-constitutional-development.aspx The Information Regulator has levied an administrative fine of ZAR 5 million on the Department of Justice for breaching POPIA. 2023-07-09T22:00:00Z ba7503a4-4ef4-407f-919a-58dc4806ea59 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/electronic-communications-amendment-bill-2022-open-for-comment.aspx The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2022 (the Bill), which introduces a number of significant amendments to the Electronic Communications Act 36 of 2005 (the ECA), has been published. Interested parties have until 23 July to submit written comments regarding the Bill. 2023-07-04T22:00:00Z 12099b2d-e2b7-44f7-9557-04e474555e25 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/google-adwords-policy-amendment-trade-mark-owners-need-to-be-more-proactive.aspx On 8 June 2023, Google announced updates to its Google Ads Trade Mark Policy that will be effective on 24 July 2023. 2023-06-29T22:00:00Z 164f4516-0652-4dd7-a6f3-1f2cba73aa08 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/paia-deadline-for-section-83-4-report-less-than-a-week-away.aspx The Information Regulator published a notice on 7 May 2023, inviting all private bodies to submit a report by Friday, 30 June 2023, detailing requests for access to the records of these private bodies. 2023-06-22T22:00:00Z 04b4800b-7061-48fd-a55c-56c6de29533e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-embraces-generative-ai-as-part-of-its-ongoing-innovation-journey.aspx Webber Wentzel is taking the lead on responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) investment within the African legal landscape as part of its continued commitment to deliver an exceptional client experience and foster an open, creative, and entrepreneurial culture. 2023-06-22T22:00:00Z e246bbfb-ab47-4762-88b1-4ec96cff0b63 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-has-been-grey-listed-what-are-the-implications-for-the-country-going-forward.aspx South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has significant implications for its economic growth and global competitiveness, but moves are already being taken to satisfy the FATF 2023-02-23T22:00:00Z f2df4724-12e2-40f5-ad63-bac72fcf65d7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-as-2022-south-africa-law-firm-of-the-year-by-top-ranked-legal.aspx Webber Wentzel has been awarded the 2022 South Africa Law Firm of the Year in the EMEA Awards by Top Ranked Legal. 2022-12-20T22:00:00Z 1ca097c2-1b2b-43a2-8219-d6752dda44e2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-won-the-african-legal-awards-for-african-law-firm-of-the-year.aspx Webber Wentzel has been named African Law Firm of the Year (Mid-Large Sized Practice) at the 2022 African Legal Awards. 2022-10-23T22:00:00Z 3d124404-eb88-4ad7-88bc-f7713a7699f8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/are-you-drone-spy-legal-implications-of-the-private-operation-of-drones-and-the-right-to-privacy.aspx Certain legal restrictions apply to drones, which are increasingly being deployed by hobbyists and commercial operators, and the penalties for infringing privacy are severe. 2022-07-25T22:00:00Z 7806324c-7aa8-4cdc-b1bd-1ddbc09ef164 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/listen-to-the-customer-but-stay-within-the-law.aspx Retailers using popular metrics to measure customer satisfaction must be aware of the need to comply with the provisions of POPIA. 2022-07-12T22:00:00Z a576d6bb-b448-453b-9802-2b5167af948b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/retailers-using-ai-should-be-aware-of-personal-privacy-and-cybercrimes-issues.aspx Artificial intelligence (AI) is being deployed to help shoppers make better choices, but retailers must be aware of their obligations under personal privacy and cybercrimes laws 2022-07-11T22:00:00Z f1f361ba-c802-422a-ba29-02062a540dc3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/POPIA-thoughts-and-perspectives-10-months-in.aspx Recent developments relevant to data protection issues offer some guidance for businesses, including in the event of data breaches and M&A transactions. 2022-04-24T22:00:00Z 4e2bb20e-dcf2-4b5f-91a9-b68b7c7b70fd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/22-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2022.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2022 and of 22 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. In 2022, various legal developments are expected to have an impact on businesses, particularly in the fields of liability, ESG, digital and economic transformation. 2022-03-22T22:00:00Z 8e7bd6f6-87a5-49bd-a042-40bb1aabd87a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/New-proposed-guidelines-for-films-games-and-certain-publications.aspx The Film and Publication Board has published new draft guidelines for comment on the classification of films, games and some publications, with potentially far-reaching implications. 2022-02-20T22:00:00Z 4d76f28a-210a-44a8-9c6f-67ab115abddb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-in-chambers-global-2022.aspx Earlier this year, Webber Wentzel was awarded South Africa Law Firm of the Year at the Chambers Africa Awards 2022. Yesterday, Chambers Global released its 2022 results, ranking law firm practices and lawyers according to their client service, commercial vision, business understanding, diligence and value for money. 2022-02-17T22:00:00Z 4d57d267-ccb1-4ef1-aca6-a627918b323d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/8-data-hygiene-tips-to-mark-international-data-privacy-day.aspx 28 January is International Data Privacy Day - a day dedicated to reminding nations, businesses and individuals of the importance of good data protection practices. However, data privacy is really a 365-day-a-year event, and everyone that processes personal information should be constantly thinking about how to improve their data protection strategies. 2022-01-27T22:00:00Z f6b81f63-16da-4c1c-a820-1ded8e8da4f9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-african-law-year-to-come-2022-and-year-in-review-2021.aspx Webber Wentzel has contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year to Come 2022 and Year in Review 2021. The series brings together analysis, thinking and highlights from lawyers around the world across multiple jurisdictions, in the form of topic-specific and jurisdictional guides. 2022-01-17T22:00:00Z b9d9eaa6-cf64-48ad-88db-20d1ab2893a6 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-cybercrimes-act-becomes-partially-operational.aspx Certain provisions of the Cybercrimes Act become operational on 1 December 2021, as South Africa gets closer to protecting businesses and individuals against cyber attacks and malicious communications. 2021-11-30T22:00:00Z fc7469dd-ee8a-4d72-b23a-3665ee4dcbc9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-publishes-its-paia-manual.aspx The Information Regulator has published its manual, setting out how requests for access to information can be made to it, the categories of records that it holds, and how it processes personal information 2021-11-17T22:00:00Z 9de2afc0-c34a-43b5-8fec-7939d53c564d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-publishes-an-invitation-for-public-comments-on-new-popia-regulations.aspx New amended draft regulations on POPIA have been published for comment, covering various steps that people can take in exercising their rights under POPIA and how businesses can request consent for direct marketing purposes 2021-10-19T22:00:00Z b0fdc2e1-0807-4570-a548-dd028e29616a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/paia-guide-published-by-the-information-regulator-on-12-october-2021.aspx An updated PAIA Guide has been published which provides easy-to-understand direction on how to obtain various items of information from an organisation 2021-10-17T22:00:00Z 03f4856c-ddbf-4528-a0de-13c9e4b1d048 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/chinas-new-privacy-law-its-impact-on-south-african-organisations.aspx South African businesses with links to China need to be aware of the country’s recently-passed Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), which comes into force in November 2021 2021-09-21T22:00:00Z 07abac94-cbdc-40c9-ad49-cc72466acbc2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-training-ready-steady-go.aspx POPIA. Non-compliance can result in lost stakeholder trust, reputational harm, administrative fines, damages claims and even imprisonment.  Expert training can be a significant step in ensuring that your organisation is POPIA compliant. 2021-08-24T22:00:00Z dc586878-bfb4-4568-8b52-f31c5170ad17 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/disclosing-information-without-consent.aspx The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is aligned with existing legislation restricting the circumstances under which private patient information can be shared, but imposes additional duties in handling that information. 2021-08-16T22:00:00Z 716d2860-6cad-4da3-ba8b-3d14d38d6f9f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-its-effect-on-clinical-practice-and-health-research.aspx Healthcare is a highly regulated field of human activity and with good reason. Its structure and delivery relies heavily on information and processes that are highly complex and often of a technical, scientific nature. 2021-08-12T22:00:00Z 2d0069ab-72db-40eb-97d5-95a4ad554d80 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/a-journey-of-growth-and-success.aspx Webber Wentzel Senior Partner Christo Els and Managing Partner, Sally Hutton, chat to Tom Pearson in a podcast focussing on the growth and success of one of Africa’s foremost law firms. 2021-08-09T22:00:00Z 47c4f3ef-1376-4c26-b0c7-12a8e680ca3a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-aligns-with-popia-to-reinforce-client-confidentiality.aspx Webber Wentzel has taken various additional measures in order to more easily demonstrate its compliance with POPIA, and these reinforce its existing extensive security around confidential information 2021-07-19T22:00:00Z ad8b63e7-a80b-4e75-b727-4b440a5c0813 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-has-unexpected-implications-for-b-bbee-schemes.aspx Sharing personal information of trust beneficiaries to verify black ownership under the scorecards requires companies and trusts to be aware of POPIA requirements. 2021-07-13T22:00:00Z 3f41cf32-ffb3-4474-a5e9-855e31e750f7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/to-compile-a-paia-manual-or-not-to-compile-a-paia-manual-that-is-the-question.aspx Certain entities are exempt from compiling a PAIA Manual until 31 December 2021, but this depends on various factors, such as the type of entity, the sector in which the entity operates and the entity's total annual turnover or number of employees. 2021-07-05T22:00:00Z ca021603-6c35-4c45-a123-9a24a22fb556 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/clarity-on-popia-exemptions-and-information-officer-registration.aspx The Information Regulator has published guidance for organisations on applying for exemptions from POPIA and appointing information officers, ahead of the 30 June 2021 deadline for compliance 2021-06-23T22:00:00Z 8490f5bf-c233-419a-87c4-e41289167d55 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-extends-commencement-date-for-popia-prior-authorisation.aspx The Information Regulator has extended the commencement date of the POPIA provision that requires organisations to obtain prior authorisation if they process certain categories of personal information. The commencement date of that provision is now 1 February 2022. 2021-06-17T22:00:00Z c8d3534a-484c-4f6d-9ffe-936cb62a0130 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cybercrimes-bill-signed-by-the-president.aspx The Cybercrimes Bill has been signed by the President. This Bill will now be known as the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020. This development is a welcome move in the fight against the ever-increasing rise in online and internet-based crime. 2021-06-01T22:00:00Z 3f32bb13-2339-447c-a7d8-702aed097009 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/is-your-chatbot-popia-compliant.aspx Artificial Intelligence and digitisation are transforming the business landscape. Many new technologies are being created to streamline customer engagement, such as chatbots. Given the quantity of personal information which a chatbot may acquire, how do you ensure that your chatbot is POPIA compliant? 2021-05-30T22:00:00Z 82e6a026-ea9a-486c-b731-dadea9e62165 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/hospitality-and-leisure-industry-destination-popia.aspx We all hope for more travel and tourism soon. Hospitality players waiting for the big travel surge should use this time to ensure that they understand the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) within their industry. 2021-05-20T22:00:00Z ae40da1f-9133-4c12-8d7a-0ba0a3121f62 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-seeking-legal-advice-on-whatsapp-privacy-policy-updates.aspx South Africa’s Information Regulation is taking legal advice on WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, which gives more disclosure about use of their personal information to users in the EU than outside it 2021-05-16T22:00:00Z 284adb43-366d-4766-ad14-1be59af14aab https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-and-consent-red-flags-for-insurance-companies.aspx The terms and conditions of insurance policies are currently going through a major overhaul after the unexpected events of the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted new areas of risk for insurers. 2021-05-13T22:00:00Z 942d31c5-092d-47e4-ba6a-4b717d0c60ce https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-protection-of-personal-information-act-what-insurers-need-to-know.aspx Insurance companies have until 30 June 2021 to ensure that their business operations comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013, or they risk facing penalties by the Information Regulator. 2021-05-13T22:00:00Z 73223d15-e079-4a1a-bed2-e19a807acdf2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-requires-a-new-look-at-insurance-agreements-with-a-real-focus-on-specific-consent.aspx Personal information provided for one purpose, such as obtaining insurance, is often shared within the insurance world for other data-gathering purposes. This typically requires specific consent, if those collecting the information are not to find themselves in breach of POPIA from 1 July 2021 2021-05-12T22:00:00Z ae7b0416-73e0-4f63-8496-d9a58804bebc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-paia-regulations-published-ahead-of-popia-commencement.aspx Draft PAIA Regulations have been published, setting out the transition of functions from the South African Human Rights Commission to the Information Regulator, and some additional obligations of information officers. 2021-05-09T22:00:00Z bb8d0fc1-ea24-4c31-ba0c-e8b261524cc4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popi-reinforces-systems-already-in-place-in-the-healthcare-industry.aspx POPI which comes into full force later this year, is not something for the healthcare industry to fear. In reality, it reaffirms existing healthcare legislative provisions dealing with confidentiality and disclosure of health information. 2021-04-06T22:00:00Z d0917a72-1081-4eeb-aef1-a51f3e4a9e85 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-101.aspx All businesses with employees, customers and suppliers must comply with POPIA, which comes into effect on 1 July 2021. Here’s a practical guide to the most important aspects 2021-03-31T22:00:00Z 2ea034e8-54ac-4133-a56c-1d33457df6e7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/information-regulator-publishes-guidance-note-on-applications-for-prior-authorisation.aspx The Information Regulator has issued helpful guidelines for applicants who require prior authorisation to process certain categories of information under POPIA 2021-03-15T22:00:00Z 740642b3-f5bc-4a20-b4b0-9a3f2f167165 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-codes-of-conduct-information-officers-and-applications-for-exemption.aspx The Information Regulator has provided some welcome clarity on practical aspects of POPIA, as organisations work towards achieving compliance by 30 June 2021 2021-03-10T22:00:00Z 4fb25515-459d-4e89-bfd6-e4a1da4e2fda https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sa-lets-do-business-ebook.aspx ​A tailored and on-the-ground perspective for business in South Africa and those looking to invest in South Africa. 2021-02-28T22:00:00Z c1dd85e8-cc61-4b4b-aba9-c351d144b1b8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-tmt-sector-faces-legal-challenges-and-opportunities-in-2021.aspx Three topics will top the list of priorities for executives in the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) sector in South Africa in 2021. They are cyber security, B-BBEE and the allocation of high frequency radio spectrum to enable the roll-out of 5G. 2021-02-24T22:00:00Z bcde5392-3bc1-460c-b63e-e388493b63e9 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzels-expertise-recognised-by-chambers-global.aspx Chambers Global has released their 2021 results. Webber Wentzel had an exceptional year with key highlights. 2021-02-21T22:00:00Z f27a71e3-d045-4334-98f2-24566229974f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/21-legal-developments-for-businesses-to-monitor-in-2021.aspx We have collated a snapshot of key themes to track in 2021 and of 21 legal developments for the year which you will need to keep a tab on. 2021-02-17T22:00:00Z ebf859b7-39c7-4750-80e2-c7fdff9119c8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/podcast-covid-19-vaccines-employer-considerations.aspx Over this 6-part series, We will be unpacking various issues from the possibility of mandatory vaccination policies for employees to personal information management of employee vaccination data.​ 2021-02-04T22:00:00Z 70e12d4c-dc84-47e6-83c7-c10c65ef5211 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/linklaters-global-guide-year-in-review-2020-and-year-to-come-2021.aspx We have contributed to the Linklaters' global guide series - Year in Review 2020 and Year to Come 2021. 2020-12-06T22:00:00Z 5e695d3e-8bf5-42d6-b463-40fcb09645cf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-gdpr-or-both.aspx Businesses need to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation passed by the European Union and with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act by July 2021. Compliance with one, does not, however, ensure compliance with the other. 2020-11-29T22:00:00Z ad23fb98-0641-4549-89b6-db8d39ec59e5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/working-from-home-when-does-supervision-infringe-on-personal-rights.aspx Since Covid-19 lockdowns and self-isolation, remote working with associated overtime claims has become the norm, which presents employers with challenges around monitoring and privacy 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z d9b658fc-2d32-4845-809b-27bbe13a4836 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-webinar-series.aspx Webber Wentzel three-part webinar series to help your organisation with POPIA readiness. 2020-11-04T22:00:00Z 096286df-16b5-4ed0-af52-70bc9470f865 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/playing-safely-with-personal-information-inside-a-regulatory-sandbox.aspx Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving innovation; with data a critical component to enabling AI. Data often includes personal information which may raise issues from a data protection laws perspective. Sandboxes may, however, create safe spaces for technology innovators. 2020-10-26T22:00:00Z e08cf1e5-6379-4b61-ac04-d71796f6953c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/smart-contracts-adoption-could-be-tripped-up-by-legal-validity-and-privacy-laws-concerns.aspx Covid-19 forced businesses to accelerate the rate at which they adopt and adapt to, technological change. Many businesses are looking to conclude agreements by taking advantage of technology platforms that promise efficiency and cost-savings; including using smart contracts. 2020-10-25T22:00:00Z 7b7171ff-392c-4024-82c0-aaff20738a4b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cyber-attacks-call-for-rapid-response-and-strategic-leadership.aspx As the experts say, it is not a question of “if” but “when” a cyber-attack will occur in your organisation. Organisations should be preparing their strategy now in the event of a cyber-attack, given the rise in such events 2020-10-22T22:00:00Z 076b6a85-14c9-4229-a499-2515134d8384 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-what-employers-need-to-know.aspx The Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) which came into force on 1 July 2020 places several obligations on employers in terms of managing employees personal information; it also gives certain rights to privacy to employees. 2020-08-17T22:00:00Z f75e7acf-0af6-4cfc-a2cb-efd2fe8e798b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/artificial-intelligence-has-popia-implications.aspx Organisations using personal data in artificial intelligence applications need to manage it carefully to ensure they remain compliant with POPIA 2020-08-12T22:00:00Z 03fe2a79-d83a-45a9-9b6a-ff7be85b7f5b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-information-regulator-invites-comment-on-the-draft-guidelines-relating-to-the-registration-of-information-officers.aspx Now that the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA) has commenced, the Information Regulator may be issuing various notices and other guideline documents to give meaning to POPIA. 2020-07-20T22:00:00Z b31c4377-6de6-46f7-9059-80d111c2d1b5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popia-unpacked-what-you-need-to-know.aspx After years of start and stops - virtually all the operational provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) finally came into force on 1 July 2020. 2020-07-16T22:00:00Z a4a54089-ed33-4981-b601-04f94e25cfd0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/data-breaches-and-popi-nowhere-to-hide.aspx The POPI clock is now ticking and everyone should be aware of what is required by these new laws. 2020-07-15T22:00:00Z 6082cb52-80b9-4438-a073-7181e33ace8c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-database-includes-a-greater-focus-on-publics-right-to-privacy.aspx Although the law permits the National Department of Health (DOH) to develop and maintain a national database to assist in combatting the spread of Covid-19, which includes contact tracing and geospatial hotspot mapping, there have been some new amendments to the laws. 2020-06-28T22:00:00Z 8fd907da-1088-4e94-917a-a7435b93edbc https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Tick-tock-The-POPI-countdown-will-commence-on-1-July-2020.aspx Virtually all of the remaining provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (POPIA) are finally set to commence according to an announcement by President Ramaphosa this morning, 22 June 2020. The announcement comes after an almost 6 year wait since April 2014, when certain provisions of POPIA commenced, such as those provisions that established the office of the Information Regulator, and set out the office's powers, functions and duties, as well as those provisions which enable the Minister to make various regulations under POPIA. 2020-06-21T22:00:00Z 58da928d-3388-4dbb-a4a1-92150510d09b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Covid-19-Dos-and-Don%E2%80%99ts-for-Contact-Tracing-by-Employers.aspx Under alert level 3, most businesses that were prohibited from operating can reopen. In their return to work strategies, employers are required to comply with certain legal obligations, including undertaking contact tracing activities and to submit to government the data of: (1) employees who have tested positive for Covid-19; and (2) any other persons who may have been exposed to the virus through such infected employees. Sector specific health protocols also exist and must be complied with when applicable. 2020-06-17T22:00:00Z e279952c-8be5-41d4-a6f8-7e0deec1fd5b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-a-profitable-opportunity-for-cyber-criminals.aspx Covid-19 — the virus which is shaking the world — is rapidly increasing the number of employees who work remotely. 2020-04-02T22:00:00Z 144b1ee4-8fba-4bbd-a3e8-9ec6d5e42f41 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/commencement-the-protection-of-personal-information-act-.aspx The Information Regulator has requested that the President declare that the remaining provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act commence on 1 April 2020. 2020-01-26T22:00:00Z c2103b5a-55a1-47f8-a1d1-cd1d9f366509 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popi-update-information-regulator-invites-comment-on-the-guidelines-to-develop-codes-of-conduct.aspx Although there are still no clear indicators related to when the long-awaited Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) will come into force, there have been some recent POPI related developments. 2020-01-12T22:00:00Z 1cbc9d32-ecba-4077-8100-dd2f9d662a7c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/reflections-on-2019-and-key-insights-for-2020.aspx Each year we publish a South Africa - Year in Review and Year to Come 2019/2020 insights piece with our alliance partner, Linklaters. 2020-01-08T22:00:00Z 494dcb74-95be-484f-a40d-8446f9cf3c0e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-is-african-law-firm-of-the-year-at-the-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel received the coveted African Law Firm of the Year award at the 2019 African Legal Awards on Friday, 6 September 2019. 2019-09-08T22:00:00Z 13a9d619-f8cf-4d4c-93eb-9db0b10a7697 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-publishes-insights-pieces-looking-at-key-legal-and-regulatory-developments-for-2018-2019.aspx Webber Wentzel together with its alliance partner, Linklaters, recently published a Year in Review and Year to Come 2018/2019 insights piece. This publication highlights significant legal and regulatory developments that took place in South Africa during 2018, and expected changes for 2019. 2019-01-14T22:00:00Z c13d9e67-a858-494d-ad5e-991a682f7d39 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-liability-of-directors-in-cyberspace.aspx Cyber risks are evolving on a near daily basis posing countless threats to companies, and accordingly, directors need to stay abreast of legal developments to protect themselves and their companies in their fiduciary duties. The outline of such duties, in broad terms, is contained in legislation, common law and in the King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa. Furthermore, duties which may not have been relevant to a director ten years ago may now have become relevant due to the development of technology and the associated risks. 2018-09-04T22:00:00Z f23d9402-b53c-4e1f-9720-54752313f53e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/ransomware-can-you-pay.aspx Ransomware, also referred to as a crypto-virus, is malicious software that is used by cybercriminals to illicitly infect, lock-out and then take control over digital systems in order to prevent owners from re-accessing them. In doing so, cybercriminals use the ransomware to extort monies contingent on the promise of restoring owners' access to their systems. The two common ways through which Ransomware is installed are via phishing emails and/or the visiting of websites with malicious software. 2018-08-14T22:00:00Z 4dcf7d5f-3dff-46e5-8854-7cabef8e55b0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-changing-face-of-vat-and-e-commerce-in-sa.aspx It is no secret that tax systems around the world are struggling to keep pace with the digitisation of commerce and South Africa too, after an initially pro-active stance towards taxing e-commerce, was arguably starting to fall behind in this "new frontier for VAT". 2018-08-09T22:00:00Z 4b673a3a-2154-434f-8653-e14e425d616b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cryptocurrency-transactions.aspx In South Africa, as with most other countries around the world, there is no guidance and regulation regarding cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. 2018-03-25T22:00:00Z bae91224-05cb-435f-9121-9351bc889fc8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/south-africa-year-in-review-and-year-to-come-2017-2018.aspx In 2017, we saw significant legal and regulatory changes affecting South African businesses. It is likely that 2018 will bring further changes. 2018-01-24T22:00:00Z 34b2c1e3-d28c-4ffe-81d7-2a1635c5d30f https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-electronic-communications-amendment-bill-proposes-far-reaching-changes-to-the-information.aspx The Electronic Communications Amendment Bill (Bill) was published for public comment on 17 November 2017. The Bill seeks to implement and give effect to the policy points set out in the ICT White Paper, published in October 2016. 2017-11-22T22:00:00Z 3ed2e3ff-708c-4f51-a1c5-80cf06731bd3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/artificial-intelligence-the-apex-of-tech-and-policy-challenges.aspx Artificial intelligence (AI) is the apex of today’s technology age as we push the boundaries towards Industry 4.0 and superintelligence. 2017-11-20T22:00:00Z 19acac69-e3c6-4f8f-b938-3c6386584f79 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/popi-regulations-open-for-comment.aspx Further to our last e-alert (available here) on POPI (or POPIA, as it is now referred to by the Information Regulator), the Information Regulator has now issued draft regulations (click here and here) for public comment. 2017-09-10T22:00:00Z bd574500-2862-46ed-982e-7e4d14c4bf1e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-initiates-data-services-market-inquiry.aspx The Competition Commission (Commission) has announced that it will be conducting a market inquiry into the market for data services in South Africa (the Inquiry). On 18 August 2017, Terms of Reference (ToR) were published setting out the scope of the Inquiry and expected timeframes. 2017-08-20T22:00:00Z 65ceae07-2835-46cd-9d2c-048cfef86b60 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cybercrimes-and-cybersecurity-bill.aspx The Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill (the Bill) was opened for public comment this week. The practical impact of the Bill on all organisations and on individuals is significant. 2017-07-06T22:00:00Z 85d8d8aa-4f5b-4e05-94ab-6645a36c97df https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cyber-resilience-guidance-note-issued-by-the-sarb.aspx On 15 May 2017, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), through the Office of the Registrar of Banks (the Office), issued Guidance Note G4/2017 dealing with cyber resilience (the Guidance Note) to banks, branches of foreign institutions, controlling companies, eligible institutions and auditors of banks or controlling companies (banks). 2017-07-02T22:00:00Z 799b230e-0fb2-4d25-9d3a-598c96a222a7 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/POPI-update-Key-takeaways-from-the-Information-Regulator's-first-briefing.aspx Further to our last e-alert on POPI (or POPIA, as it is now referred to by the Information Regulator) the Information Regulator held its first public briefing on Monday 2017-02-14T22:00:00Z e211ddb6-bbc0-44cd-bd38-39ff14558f19 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/National-Assembly-recommends-Pansy-Tlakula-as-Chairperson-of-the-Information-Regulator-.aspx This week has seen a significant step towards the long-awaited implementation of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI). 2016-09-08T22:00:00Z