PiPS Online Workshop: Demystifying the POPIA Act – Recording Out Now!

We are pleased to announce that the recording of the PiPS Online Workshop: Demystifying the POPIA Act is now available!

Presented by Barry Viljoen, this practical session offers a psychologist-focused guide to understanding the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)—South Africa’s essential data privacy law.

In this workshop, Barry explores:

How POPIA applies in psychological practice, particularly in public service settings
Practical steps to protect client data and ensure compliance
Navigating ethical dilemmas in relation to data privacy
Key responsibilities of practitioners under the Act

This recording is a valuable resource for psychologists seeking to strengthen their understanding of POPIA and uphold best practices in data protection and ethical care.

Abstract

This presentation will provide an in-depth introduction to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), a key piece of legislation in South Africa designed to protect individuals’ personal data and ensure privacy rights. The POPIA Act regulates the collection, use, storage, and sharing of personal information by organizations and sets out the legal framework for how businesses must handle personal data. Throughout the presentation, we will explore the core principles of POPIA, including the conditions for lawful processing of personal information, the rights of data subjects, and the responsibilities of data controllers and processors. We will also discuss the practical application of the Act in various organizational settings, emphasizing how businesses can comply with its requirements through effective data protection measures and risk management strategies. Key topics will include obtaining consent, safeguarding data, ensuring transparency, and understanding the role of the Information Regulator in overseeing compliance. Furthermore, we will examine the potential consequences of non-compliance, including penalties and reputational damage, and the steps organizations can take to implement a robust data protection program. This presentation will equip attendees with a foundational understanding of POPIA, its implications for data privacy, and how to navigate the complexities of personal data protection in the digital age.

About the Presenter

Mr Barry Viljoen

Barry Viljoen is a Clinical Psychologist working in the public sector. He is involved in academics in terms of training. His areas of interests are child and adolescent psychology, psychology within forensic settings, assessment, and critical disability studies. He is currently completing his Dpsych in Child and Adolescent Psychology.