Access to information

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The main purposes of access to information are to: encourage a culture of transparency and accountability in both public and private bodies, and. develop a society where people have effective access to information that can help them fully exercise and protect all their rights.

Who should be the designated or deputy information officer?

Now, there is a question. It depends on the organisation, but often, it is someone in legal or compliance. But no formal qualifications are required by law. It is essential that the person you select as your information officer (IO) [...]

By |2024-09-04T10:54:11+02:00August 20th, 2024|Categories: , |

How do I register my information officer on the Information Regulator portal?

Responsible parties should register their information officer online (encouraged) as soon as possible. Failing to register your information officer is not a criminal offence, but there can be severe consequences. If you struggle to register on the portal, we [...]

By |2025-03-12T15:12:28+02:00August 16th, 2024|Categories: , , |

What does the information regulator look for during a POPIA or PAIA compliance assessment?

The Information Regulator (IR) has discretion in when to assess organisations' data processing practices under both POPIA and PAIA. They follow prescribed procedures and inform applicants about the scope and reasons for the assessment. For POPIA assessments, factors considered include [...]

By |2024-03-22T11:08:04+02:00March 22nd, 2024|Categories: , , |

What should you do when your information officer resigns?

At some point, your information officer is bound to leave your organisation. It might be the default, authorised, designated, delegated or deputy information officer. These are the steps you can take if your information officer wants to resign. Your information [...]

By |2024-03-26T08:27:02+02:00September 2nd, 2022|Categories: , |

Can one person be the information officer for multiple entities?

Yes, one person can be the default or designated information officer (IO) for multiple entities or responsible parties. The regulator's portal allows you to register one person as the information officer for multiple entities. You can register multiple default or [...]

By |2024-08-21T15:49:04+02:00May 21st, 2021|Categories: , , , |

Will anybody be exempt from having an information officer?

Not at the moment. But we think that some bodies should be exempt from having to register their information officer (IO). Is any body exempt from registering their information officer? Unfortunately, the guidance note on information officers and deputy information [...]

By |2024-08-21T15:49:42+02:00April 21st, 2021|Categories: , , |