Course overview

This course offers a thorough examination of the Information Officer's role and responsibilities. It includes the 2025 amendments to POPIA, and addresses the eight conditions for lawful processing, procedural requirements, and emerging risks from AI-driven activities. Participants will explore practical guidance for responsible parties and information officers, including compliance frameworks, risk mitigation, and the role of the Information Officer. The course emphasizes safeguarding data subjects' rights while navigating activities such as direct marketing, fraud detection, CCTV deployment, and facial recognition.

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Course objectives

Participants will obtain an understanding of :

1. Understand POPIA's Framework: Articulate the eight conditions for lawful processing (Section 4) and procedural requirements under the regulations.
2. Apply the IOH Guidance: Utilize the Information Officer's Handbook to select, implement, and evaluate technical and organizational measures.
3. Manage AI-Related Risks: Identify and mitigate challenges like model drift, bias, and adversarial attacks in AI processing (Section 71).
4. Execute Procedural Tasks: Handle objections, complaints, authorizations, and requests for children's or special personal information.
5. Fulfill Information Officer Duties: Perform responsibilities including registration, compliance monitoring, staff training, and reporting.
6. Promote Compliance Culture: Implement the D4 Cycle (Discover, Develop, Deploy, Decommission) for ongoing data protection.

Course outline

Participants will learn about:

Module 1: Introduction to POPIA and the IOH

• POPIA Overview: Explore the act's purpose, 2025 amendments, and eight conditions for lawful processing.

• IOH Purpose: Understand its role in guiding responsible parties and information officers on measures and procedures.

• Data Subjects' Rights: Examine protections under Section 5 and security safeguards (Sections 19-22).

Module 2: Procedural Requirements

• Objections and Complaints: Use Forms 1 and 5 for submissions (Regulations 2 and 7).

• Authorizations: Apply for processing children's information (Section 35) or special personal information (Section 27).

• Direct Marketing: Obtain consent via Form 4 and conduct Legitimate Interest Assessments (Section 69).

Module 3: AI-Driven Processing Risks

• AI Challenges: Address invalid legal bases, model drift, and adversarial attacks.

• Compliance with Section 71: Ensure automated decision-making adheres to POPIA requirements.

• Risk Mitigation: Implement bias detection, human oversight, and explainable AI frameworks.

Module 4: Processing Activities

• Direct Marketing and Fraud Detection: Align with purpose specification and security safeguards.

• CCTV and Facial Recognition: Balance surveillance with privacy rights.

• High-Risk Scenarios: Manage profiling and AI-driven activities.

Module 5: Role of the Information Officer

• Appointment and Duties: Register via e-services portal (Section 55); oversee compliance and culture.

• Deputies and Delegation: Designate and document (Annexure B); ensure South Africa-based for multinationals.

• Liabilities: Understand criminal offenses and regulatory actions (Sections 90-99).

Module 6: Compliance Tools and the D4 Cycle

• D4 Cycle: Discover risks, develop measures, deploy safeguards, and decommission data.

• Training and Awareness: Conduct regular sessions on POPIA, PAIA, and Cybercrimes Act.

• Tools: Use PIAs, compliance checklists, and regulator forms for monitoring.