The rapid developments in technology have left many electronic
spaces unregulated, with lack of or minimal protection to the
consumer. However, 2019 could see some new regulatory developments
aimed at affording the consumer a more favorable position,
particularly in the electronic sphere.
The Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), is
South Africa's first piece of comprehensive data protection
legislation. Although partially in effect, the substantive
provisions of POPIA are yet to become fully effective. The final
Protection of Personal Information Regulations were published on 14
December 2018, and their publication seems to indicate that the
POPIA may well become effective during 2019.
