ARTICLE · 09 SEPTEMBER 2025

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Information Regulator Cracks Down On Outdated PAIA Request Forms – What Every Information Officer Needs To Know

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Over the past week, ENS has been inundated with urgent requests for advice after receiving, or becoming aware of, the Information Regulator's latest "Notice of Non-Compliance with Regulation 7.1 of the Regulations Relating to the Promotion of Access to Information, 2021" dated 28 August 2025.

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Over the past week, ENS has been inundated with urgent requests for advice after receiving, or becoming aware of, the Information Regulator's latest "Notice of Non-Compliance with Regulation 7.1 of the Regulations Relating to the Promotion of Access to Information, 2021" dated 28 August 2025. Because the notice is addressed "TO: ALL INFORMATION OFFICERS, HEADS OF PRIVATE BODIES AND DEPUTY INFORMATION OFFICERS," it is not aimed at any single organisation; rather, it serves as a sector-wide warning that the Regulator's tolerance for procedural defects under the Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 ("PAIA") has run its course.

Below we unpack the notice, explain why the Regulator's position matters, and outline practical steps that public and private bodies should be taking – with our assistance where required – to bring their PAIA manuals and related documentation into full alignment with PAIA, the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 ("POPIA

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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