https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx Webber Wentzel feed en-us Copyright 2020 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 19:13:56 +0200 Sample Code http://server/image.jpg https://www.webberwentzel.com//Pages/RSS-Feeds.aspx 780d0da8-bc7f-4172-bab8-bae6cf4bf2ac 5af4e97f-44f9-4d3d-895e-9fe4cec3f9fe https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/All-about-the-frequency-icasas-2026-spectrum-overhaul-explained.aspx South Africa's spectrum landscape is shifting. Between April and July 2026, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (the DCDT) published the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2026 (the ECAB) and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published a series of draft and final notices in the Government Gazette. 2026-08-11T22:00:00Z 97a24e4c-6804-4914-a723-3ca8c08ccdfb 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 7425434f-7b8d-4c4d-98d1-edec032c8de5 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 68fee284-28cc-4732-99da-10c1caf7d3b2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/ai-and-intellectual-property-considerations-for-financial-services.aspx This is the first article in our series on Artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property for South African financial services firms. It should be read together with the article by Carla Dennehy, which addresses ownership of AI-generated outputs. 2026-04-16T22:00:00Z 6fbc3e8a-7ebe-470b-a2a3-ee8a9aaba253 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/draft-national-ai-policy-what-it-means-and-what-to-do-now.aspx The publication of South Africa's Draft National AI Policy marks a turning point for organisations that develop, deploy or rely on artificial intelligence. 2026-04-13T22:00:00Z a9798028-642a-4bb8-935f-1f63b148ff05 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/automation-restructuring-and-fairness-staging-ai-adoption-under-the-lra.aspx MIT’s State of AI in Business 2025 report should temper any rush to restructure workforces around artificial intelligence. Headcount reductions based on assumptions of immediate, sweeping efficiency gains reflect poor risk management. 2025-11-02T22:00:00Z 5f79ab7b-e237-4427-8c4b-06cd781f97dd https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/algorithmic-management-meets-south-african-law-lessons-from-mits-genai-divide.aspx MIT’s State of AI in Business 2025 report paints a sobering picture. Despite global enterprise investment of between USD 30 billion and 40 billion in generative AI, around 95% of organisations have yet to see measurable returns. 2025-10-30T22:00:00Z cf840788-2b72-4006-908c-34a631997e92 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/virtual-assets-regulation-in-southern-africa-a-regional-comparative-analysis-article.aspx The digital revolution is reshaping the global financial landscape, with virtual assets emerging as a powerful force in how financial transactions are conducted. 2025-09-03T22:00:00Z 0b5f30d1-2092-425d-bad2-af21f044b62c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/navigating-healthtech-legal-solutions.aspx As HealthTech continues to reshape the healthcare landscape, our Healthcare Sector offers integrated legal solutions to help clients innovate responsibly, protect their interests, and stay ahead of regulatory change. 2025-08-31T22:00:00Z 7299a9b7-7637-4ad3-9bc6-eff0be04f65d https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-themes-influencing-african-infrastructure-development-in-2025.aspx In 2025 Africa's infrastructure landscape is being impacted by recent changes in the world economy including a tightening infrastructure financing environment; rapid population growth, increasing urbanisation, technological advances and changes in the geo-political landscape. 2025-07-01T22:00:00Z 390733b7-c5bc-4673-86bc-d47e4a02addb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/ai-and-automation-in-retail-legal-risks-related-to-ai-driven-customer-service-inventory-management-and-back-office-support.aspx The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in retail continues to generate discussion. This is largely due to the benefits that retailers have realised by using the technology across various parts of the business value chain. However, the incorrect implementation of AI functionality can result in unintended consequences for retailers. 2025-06-25T22:00:00Z 3f3b0157-e942-4456-9d56-dd480043f269 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-celebrates-its-chambers-global-2025-rankings.aspx ​​​Webber Wentzel has once again affirmed its position as a leading law firm in South Africa with outstanding results in the Chambers Global 2025 rankings. The firm has secured 15 Band 1 category rankings, maintaining its status as the top-ranked Band 1 firm in the country. 2025-02-13T22:00:00Z fddab108-8379-48e4-a6cb-ffe99ea0c539 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/personalisation-in-advertising-data-protection-and-privacy-issues.aspx The proliferation of intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) has created opportunities for players within the consumer sector to harness the capabilities of new tools to enhance the customer experience. 2024-12-04T22:00:00Z 715fd58b-8bb6-4f9a-bd66-2c99dc9ff0e3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-direct-marketing-requirements-under-the-consumer-protection-act.aspx The Department of Trade and Industry has proposed new direct marketing requirements under the Consumer Protection Act. These amendments will require direct marketers to implement several modifications to their business practices. 2024-11-28T22:00:00Z 03941d64-fe7d-42c7-bc9f-7fe0ba876b95 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/protecting-your-personal-information-when-gaming.aspx Since its inception in the 1950s, video gaming has grown infinitely more popular, advanced, commercialised, and certainly more legally complicated. 2024-09-17T22:00:00Z 19942e3a-0f8d-4e57-a7aa-d5f4a18389ae https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/shortlisted-for-excellence-webber-wentzel-among-frontrunners-for-the-2024-african-legal-awards.aspx Webber Wentzel has been shortlisted in an impressive 19 categories at the prestigious African Legal Awards. This recognition underscores the firm's commitment to excellence and its leading role in the African legal landscape. 2024-07-08T22:00:00Z a845660f-bb7b-42e8-8a83-50380b56f11e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/tech-companies-must-stand-firm-global-lessons-for-south-africas-upcoming-election.aspx Artificial intelligence (AI) and technology have revolutionised many aspects of our lives, and elections are no exception. These tools can enhance the democratic process by improving access to information, voter registration, streamlining vote counting, and facilitating voter engagement, thereby securing greater protection of fundamental civil and political rights. However, the potential for misuse is equally significant, raising concerns about the integrity of electoral processes worldwide. 2024-05-27T22:00:00Z 74cd7ae9-1630-4bcc-81ce-cd6ff44cfd78 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 dd4bbc48-ada9-45a3-949a-6230b99e958a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/comprehensive-preparation-will-contain-the-fall-out-from-ransomware-attacks.aspx Ransomware attacks have been rising and it is companies that have a high level of preparedness who are weathering the storm, according to Wendy Tembedza and Karl Blom, partners in Webber Wentzel’s Telecommunications, Media and Technology team. 2023-10-24T22:00:00Z 31054d17-7895-4b3d-a82e-9f6a9fabf546 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/spilling-the-beans-on-disputes-in-the-metaverse.aspx Given the multi-faceted nature of the Metaverse, the disputes that could arise are limitless. It is therefore important that dispute resolution mechanisms that will be used in dealing with Metaverse related disputes are agile enough to account for a new legal environment. 2023-10-23T22:00:00Z 8f531630-e28f-42a3-9c3a-83276559a68b 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 4a75210f-621a-4374-ad41-bc08e72bfcbb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/new-advertising-infomercial-and-programme-sponsorship-regulations.aspx ICASA has published new regulations governing advertising, infomercials and programme sponsorship. The regulations are binding on Broadcasting Service Licensees and come into operation on 29 December 2023. 2023-07-19T22:00:00Z c0475587-bbde-4e33-9841-b9a1cca9d1bf 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 71f79a79-2d05-4bc0-bb37-620d2b11eaef 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 88bafbf2-3ab8-4082-a028-6b6b1642acea 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 e9429fe2-3dbc-4572-aae5-d6ff67a6b209 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 b8c82bd4-2678-4bb6-a9f4-686b5d5228f7 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 22abfb7a-1243-4367-b20a-5e0c181e1a0c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-shortlisted-in-19-african-legal-awards-categories.aspx Webber Wentzel is proud to have been shortlisted in 19 categories in the 2023 African Legal Awards. Being nominated across so many critical categories is a real endorsement of Webber Wentzel's standing in the African legal market. 2023-06-21T22:00:00Z a482acbb-f546-40ad-9f8f-7279ada8888f 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 6017c6b7-d64e-473b-bd28-042406e72e46 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/lawyers-2.0-in-a-chatgpt-world-the-human-ai-connection.aspx The legal industry is facing a future where Artificial Intelligence (AI) promises to take over many of the tasks that lawyers have traditionally done. Months after its release, the hype surrounding OpenAI's ChatGPT has not relented. 2023-02-13T22:00:00Z aaf5c2a3-8bce-4f11-97f9-38035b5bfdd6 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 41999fcb-9d9b-4589-b35d-9f8bc66d1537 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-recognised-for-excellence-in-enterprise-it-adoption-at-the-digital-transformation-awards-2022.aspx Webber Wentzel has been recognised amongst the top 100 organisations for Excellence in Enterprise IT adoption at the Digital Transformation Awards 2022, which took place on Friday, 25 November 2022 in Kenya. 2022-11-28T22:00:00Z 67c3427b-7e59-4997-94b9-716266655b56 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 640cf312-cf57-42be-b9f3-324ee9b64071 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/do-androids-recognise-electric-sheep-south-africa-recognition-of-blockchain-arbitration-agreements.aspx The enforceability of (foreign) blockchain arbitrations under South Africa's international arbitration regime might be difficult but there are possible solutions. 2022-09-11T22:00:00Z 67579455-e2ac-4dc3-a981-cc9431e7a4b0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/controversial-films-and-publications-amendment-act-becomes-operational.aspx Many commentators are concerned that the recently introduced Films and Publications Amendment Act designed to address the dangers of the online world, raises some internet censorship concerns. 2022-03-06T22:00:00Z 9f4c5a39-02b5-4625-967f-8d468f049eec 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 ded123f1-b58a-4820-a1d1-b0134230482a 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 3fb4095e-182f-4ae1-b1ed-d92b1be9a1a2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/Consumers-may-have-the-right-to-access-open-source-software-in-devices.aspx A US body has launched a legal challenge to Vizio, a TV manufacturer, for failing to provide the source code for the software in its smart TV, which may have implications for other software developers. 2022-02-15T22:00:00Z b18b571c-825f-4e76-94ea-eb11d9616445 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-tech-and-ip-developments-in-south-africa-2021-2022.aspx We have prepared a high level overview of the top 10 Tech and IP developments in South Africa in 2021, and our predictions for each of these in 2022. 2022-02-08T22:00:00Z f5905658-b11c-4268-9f3b-c7ce7e102cf5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/access-to-banking-and-insurance-in-africa-and-the-role-of-technology.aspx Africa may be the most underbanked continent in the world, but access to financial markets is gaining momentum, thus presenting a myriad of opportunities – and risks. A team of experts share their views on this topic with Africa Legal’s Tom Pearson. 2022-01-20T22:00:00Z acba4277-fc7b-4bd3-8c12-9843f10b6ec5 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 5813c231-7034-4c89-826e-ba7dcdd6fba4 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/technology-is-the-key-to-unlocking-a-green-future.aspx According to several reports, the Southern Africa interior is warming at twice the global rate. Significant changes to long-term weather patterns, agriculture and food security, water availability and biodiversity are likely and their effects disastrous. Existing and new technologies will be critical to mitigate and manage the damage of global warming. 2021-11-04T22:00:00Z dae12d28-8c35-4bff-afa5-4c56deb31abe https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/ai-in-the-retail-sector-the-south-african-conundrum.aspx Artificial intelligence is being successfully deployed in the global retail sector but it needs to be used carefully in the South African context, taking into account specific market characteristics 2021-09-13T22:00:00Z 8810aeb6-7a4c-4f32-9687-2355027d9080 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/artificial-intelligence-and-regulating-the-unknown-lessons-from-the-eu-and-uk.aspx Recent developments in the UK and EU on regulating artificial intelligence may help to provide guidelines for South African lawmakers in drawing up much-needed regulation for the sector 2021-09-12T22:00:00Z 176a267f-fa36-42c5-bd23-a57f4444ff56 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 0addfc55-c2af-4770-a0de-626462c0226f 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 4cc958f0-57c6-4536-9861-b70e621d111c https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-and-the-consumer-sector-one-year-on.aspx The economic consequences of Covid-19 are continuing to be felt in the form of changed shopping patterns and lifestyles, but also faster innovation and technology adoption 2021-05-16T22:00:00Z 07007eb7-5bd7-4e93-9ed9-db80f3ceb9ac https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/competition-commission-surges-ahead-with-its-market-inquiries.aspx The Competition Commission recently published final terms of reference for an inquiry into competition among selected digital platforms, as well as its findings from an investigation into competition in public transport 2021-04-21T22:00:00Z 9cd24d16-2675-471d-a7ac-3395b1205295 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 7db4df39-08a3-40fe-928b-bb2df9c07de3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/the-tmt-sector-setting-the-scene-for-2021.aspx On 18 February 2021, Webber Wentzel hosted a client seminar, The TMT sector: setting the scene for 2021. 2021-02-21T22:00:00Z a4291761-a062-408c-be94-2e79f8fdfd47 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 1b7f7f4e-07d5-48a2-9dcd-fede318b963f 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 146ad0d7-ce94-4054-b247-936c69a635d0 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-tech-and-ip-developments-in-south-africa-2020-2021.aspx We have prepared a high level overview of the top 10 Tech and IP developments in South Africa in 2020, and our predictions for each of these in 2021. 2021-02-02T22:00:00Z 6db96f78-3961-4503-8f48-36327e803329 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 39c5ad2f-94cb-472a-be72-3eeebe4fb4f8 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/africacom-africatech-2020-key-takeaways.aspx Webber Wentzel was invited to speak at and attend AfricaTech 2020, held virtually for the first time this year from 9 to 13 November 2020. We include an infographic highlighting key takeaways and other relevant information from the event. 2020-11-26T22:00:00Z 4b400147-38dc-4477-92b7-5f7c723ec027 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/sa-competition-commission-plans-to-zoom-in-on-digital-markets.aspx The Competition Commissioner during the Commission's Annual Conference (in November 2020), noted that the Commission will take a "decisive and proactive stance to ensure the balance of economic forces favour a shift to facilitating entry and a more competitive digital economy". 2020-11-22T22:00:00Z 230ef163-0a3f-47e6-b826-c40aa1a4e757 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/2020-future-of-jobs-report-world-economic-forum.aspx A recent World Economic Forum report has highlighted evolving trends in the workforce, globally and in South Africa, as the local labour market faces the combined impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) 2020-11-18T22:00:00Z c7f8e607-fa85-4842-834a-994dc41ea6eb https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/enabling-policies-awaited-after-4th-industrial-revolution-report.aspx The Presidential Commission Report on the 4th Industrial Revolution makes several strategic recommendations, but it needs to be followed by agile policy and regulation 2020-11-01T22:00:00Z 00983e99-299e-42da-884d-fafe65031223 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 725b38f7-5093-4ffc-9795-9e561625c586 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 0cb9b857-c428-4bbe-8959-353a2525d528 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/digital-transformation-in-the-financial-services-sector.aspx Data protection and cybercrime are becoming more pressing issues for financial services companies to address from a legal perspective, as Covid-19 accelerates digital transformation 2020-08-04T22:00:00Z 5b38f43a-6bd8-464a-bbf5-51db069c7a75 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions-on-electronic-signatures.aspx Organisations have widely implemented remote working arrangements in response to the Covid-19 crisis. 2020-03-29T22:00:00Z e0b0f74a-6a82-4f2e-8e3d-ce3c68cc7d74 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/za-sites-must-link-to-governments-covid-19-portal.aspx In a further move to curb “fake news”, government is requiring all internet sites ending with “.za” will have to include a visible link on their landing page to the Covid-19 South African Online Portal at "www.sacoronavirus.co.za". 2020-03-29T22:00:00Z 535a7fa7-5972-44e7-9d04-ffd6ac49542e https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-electronic-signatures-in-lockdown-times.aspx In business, handwritten signatures are required on nearly every document. However, in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak it has become almost impossible to obtain multiple original handwritten signatures on the same document. 2020-03-25T22:00:00Z c03220aa-e541-4d93-a5d5-62ac6c1a1b5a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/covid-19-spurs-technology-deployment.aspx Technology will undoubtedly be one of the beneficiaries of the latest control measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to contain the spread of COVID-19. 2020-03-19T22:00:00Z 9f202105-7974-4cee-81cb-1e9f1f63a401 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/welcome-changes-to-south-africas-ip-exchange-controls-announced.aspx The South African Reserve Bank currently administers restrictive export controls in respect of SA-owned intellectual property. 2020-02-27T22:00:00Z e501c3d8-eb00-4d75-bc86-b59baab73516 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/oecd-g20-understanding-the-proposed-inclusive-framework-and-the-tax-challenges-of-the-digital-economy.aspx On 31 January 2020, the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework released a statement which sets out its approach to tackling the tax challenges of the digital economy. 2020-02-26T22:00:00Z e177fde2-5ca7-4883-b34a-8c7aedeef6b3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/get-ready-for-the-films-and-publications-amendment-act.aspx On 2 October 2019, the President ratified the controversial Films and Publications Amendment Act, which has been described in the media as the "internet censorship bill" (the Act). 2019-11-04T22:00:00Z 1497869a-fd4f-42df-ab84-e36574591771 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/selecting-a-best-fit-cloud-solution-for-a-business.aspx The multitude of benefits that a business can reap from the correct implementation of cloud services has been well publicised and accordingly, many businesses are taking the decision to either, move business operations in their entirety to cloud platforms. 2019-10-31T22:00:00Z 0a575371-5f00-4031-a8d4-30c8bdbcf720 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/high-demand-spectrum-policy-an-overview.aspx The Department of Communications has published its highly-anticipated ‘Policy on High Demand Spectrum and Policy Direction on Licensing of a Wireless Open Access Network’ which purports to address South Africa's longstanding spectrum scarcity challenges. 2019-08-15T22:00:00Z 5607e61c-5b9c-485d-ac38-0c3cbe90fc94 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/assessing-legal-risks-in-the-move-to-cloud.aspx With the fourth industrial revolution in full swing, businesses are looking for faster and more efficient ways to service customers. Customers are also increasingly tech-savvy and demand more from their service providers, including quicker access and more tailored offerings. 2019-06-24T22:00:00Z 37484aea-e34f-4c2b-b0dd-9b4e7f2f8dcf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/smart-contracts-vs-traditional-contracts-same-but-different.aspx Smart contracts mark the evolution of the binding contract from a set of terms and conditions, governed by the common law, into a set of conditional statements governed by a programming language and the tenets of blockchain technology. 2019-03-12T22:00:00Z 4cc2b499-c3cb-4cdf-b110-3e624cc5720b https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/business-lawyers-and-regulators-get-to-grips-with-artificial-intelligence.aspx On 13 February 2019, Webber Wentzel and Microsoft hosted a forum entitled Designing and Regulating AI Amidst Uncertainty. The forum hosted top minds from business, government and the legal fraternity in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) who discussed the future of AI and the associated complexities around future laws and regulation. 2019-03-11T22:00:00Z 115e5897-9393-456b-8912-56948c05f5e4 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 d5e39fab-18fd-4d32-b872-9c2cbd02ab18 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/catch-up-with-competition-law-now-october-2018.aspx The "B" Version of the Competition Amendment Bill 2018 (the Bill) was passed by the National Assembly on 23 October 2018. A summary of important additional proposed amendments in the "B" version of the Bill, particularly in relation to the sections on abuse of dominance can be accessed here. The Bill is currently at NCOP level and comments on the latest version are due on 7 November 2018. 2018-10-30T22:00:00Z 03b26b5e-a013-4776-8fa7-326d51dcb1f2 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/update-on-the-draft-electronic-communications-amendment-bill-key-issues.aspx The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services published the draft Electronic Communications Amendment Bill (the Draft Bill) for public comment on 17 November 2017. Following receipt of comments from the public, an amended version of the Bill (the Final Bill), which has been approved by the Cabinet, was published in the Government Gazette on 31 August 2018. 2018-09-17T22:00:00Z fb535b38-7ddc-4a77-8801-a6405e61640a https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/key-proposed-changes-to-copyright-laws-software-developers-beware.aspx The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry (the Committee) has been meeting to discuss its proposed amendments to the Copyright Act. Proposed changes are significant, as the right to develop and distribute programs such as APIs (application program interfaces) will no longer be limited to the owner or licensee of the copyright in and to the underlying computer program. 2018-09-12T22:00:00Z bb5bdff6-20b4-4ec3-a3d0-d8ccc3cd737a 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 a6a688f7-c80f-4048-b371-69efd9a86679 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 174855f3-4fd2-4dfc-b50a-ef3e39d0c283 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 f87dd228-018e-46ba-967a-e4fd2602e331 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/legal-innovation-tech-fest-key-thoughts-and-takeaways.aspx We recently attended the inaugural Legal Innovation & Tech Fest held in Johannesburg on 11 & 12 June and thought it may be useful to share some of our thoughts and key takeaways from the conference. Some of these points may resonate with you. 2018-07-04T22:00:00Z 03df0536-0f02-4528-9de4-b16f898427f3 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-sharpens-its-focus-on-technology.aspx The appointment by Webber Wentzel of Warren Hero into the newly created role of Chief Information Officer signals the firm's heightened commitment to harnessing technology as a means of delivering efficient and innovative legal solutions to its clients. 2018-05-22T22:00:00Z 193eeae0-dffe-4106-8873-aed7ce7b8b02 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/cloud-computing-in-africa.aspx Cloud computing has increasingly become a staple of modern business. For those who wish to leverage the cloud in Africa, certain regulatory and practical issues need to be considered. 2018-05-21T22:00:00Z c1b63f8b-0320-4235-a3ac-387c228a36c1 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-ignite10-the-innovators-to-watch-in-2018.aspx Webber Wentzel has selected 10 successful start-ups and scale-ups to join the Webber Wentzel Ignite legal incubation programme. 2018-04-17T22:00:00Z be417889-779a-4794-ad68-d097247c36a5 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-deploys-luminance-s-artificial-intelligence-platform-in-south-africa.aspx Leading South African law firm, Webber Wentzel, has adopted Luminance’s artificial intelligence technology to enhance its due diligence processes for M&A transactions.  The agreement marks another major international win for the fast-growing AI platform. 2018-04-08T22:00:00Z e75a9001-da65-4184-85a8-61512d8013a5 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 390a3ca6-55f2-4ce5-9bac-5b75618f04e1 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 2299d2c4-55bf-4851-8557-1564c4eafa99 https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/starts-ups-should-embrace-not-fear-the-legal-nitty-gritty.aspx Inventory, wages, premises and cash flow are just a few of the concerns shouldered by the modern-day entrepreneur. 2018-01-14T22:00:00Z bc748966-9730-4190-9d49-9f6b30111cba https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/webber-wentzel-launches-webber-wentzel-ignite-a-legal-incubation-programme-for-entrepreneurs.aspx Webber Wentzel has launched Webber Wentzel Ignite - a legal incubation programme that will provide selected entrepreneurs and innovators with: 2017-12-06T22:00:00Z 6ccd7f73-0d86-4ef2-aee0-e4670da27c4e 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 bebe167e-7dbe-454b-93d6-c87b909a8919 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 75a03c26-0830-44bb-a6fb-a0f5f68a9acf https://www.webberwentzel.com//News/Pages/big-data-has-significant-discovery-implications-for-litigation-and-dispute-resolution.aspx As the volume of big data escalates and data storage capacity increases, law firms need to take a proactive approach to data discovery, retention and management. Electronic discovery (eDiscovery) is the process in which electronic data is sought, located, secured and searched with the intent of using it as evidence in a civil or criminal legal case. 2017-09-05T22:00:00Z f5e296ae-aca0-4947-a4c6-e320c0749e00 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 d072f0c5-ccca-489f-a439-8e36e9244b7e 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