Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in Singapore is a comprehensive legislation that aims to protect the personal data of individuals and ensure its proper handling by organizations. Under the PDPA, organizations are required to obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal information.
The PDPA underwent a phased implementation throughout 2012, allowing businesses time to adjust to the new requirements. It was amended in 2020 to update the privacy law, with the amendments being enacted on 1 February, 2021.
Among these updates were the introduction of mandatory data breach notifications, new categories for obtaining consent, and the inclusion of criminal offences for non-compliant organisations.
1. Obtaining Consent and Avoiding Excessive Data Collection
One of the most common violations of the PDPA is the collection of excessive personal information without obtaining appropriate consent from individuals. To avoid such violations, organisations must ensure that they only collect data that is necessary for the purpose it is being collected for. They should also clearly communicate to individuals what personal data is being collected, how it will be used, and the purpose for which it will be used.
When obtaining consent, organisations must ensure that it is informed and voluntary. This means that individuals should be provided with sufficientdecision about whether to provide their personal data or not. They should also have the option to withdraw their consent at any time. information to make an informed
2. Implementing Strong Data Protection Policies
Source: Freepik
In addition to obtaining consent, organisations must also have proper data protection policies in place to safeguard personal data. These policies should outline the measures taken to protect personal data from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, and destruction. They should also specify how long the data will be retained and the purposes for which it will be retained.
Organisations should regularly review and update their data protection policies to ensure that they are aligned with the latest best practices and comply with the PDPA. They should also conduct regular audits and assessments to identify any vulnerabilities or gaps in their data protection measures.
3. Comply with Do Not Call Provisions
The Do Not Call (DNC) provisions under the PDPA aim to protect individuals from receiving unsolicited marketing calls and messages. To comply with these provisions, organizations must check the relevant DNC registers maintained by the PDPC before sending marketing messages or making telemarketing calls.
Individuals have the right to opt-out of receiving marketing messages from organizations. Organizations must provide a clear and straightforward way for individuals to opt-out, such as a dedicated email address or phone number.
Once an individual has opted out, the organization must stop sending marketing messages to that individual within the specified timeframe.
Consequences of PDPA Violations
Non-compliance with the PDPA can have severe consequences for businesses and organisations. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) Singapore has the authority to impose fines of up to SGD 1 million or 10% of the organisation’s annual turnover, whichever is higher. In addition to financial penalties, organisations may also face reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and a decline in business.
It is crucial for businesses and organisations to understand and comply with the PDPA to avoid these penalties. They should invest in appropriate resources and training to ensure that their employees are aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the privacy laws.
Staying Up-to-Date with PDPA Updates
Non-compliance with the PDPA can have severe consequences for businesses and organisations. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) Singapore has the authority to impose fines of up to SGD 1 million or 10% of the organisation’s annual turnover, whichever is higher. In addition to financial penalties, organisations may also face reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and a decline in business.
It is crucial for businesses and organizations to understand and comply with the PDPA to avoid these penalties. They should invest in appropriate resources and training to ensure that their employees are aware of their obligations and responsibilities under the privacy laws.
Staying Up-to-Date with PDPA Updates
The PDPA is a dynamic and evolving legislation, and organisations must stay up-to-date with its latest updates and developments. This includes keeping track of any amendments to the law, new guidelines and recommendations issued by the PDPC, and any relevant court decisions.
By staying informed, organisations can ensure that their data protection practices are in line with the latest requirements and best practices. They can also proactively make any necessary changes to their policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the PDPA.
Tech Genius Global provides services to ensure data protection and uphold the latest PDPA standards, helping businesses navigate the complex landscape of data protection with confidence and compliance.
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