Privacy & POPIA

The Protection of Personal Information Act controls how businesses and government collect and use information about you. This guide explains your rights, what to do about spam and data breaches, and what small businesses must do to comply.

Updated October 2026 · General information, not legal advice

In this guide

The key laws

What you'll need

Gather these before you take action or speak to a lawyer:

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Common questions

What counts as personal information?

Almost anything that identifies you: your name, ID number, phone number, email, address, health information, financial details, photos and more.

Can a business send me marketing without my consent?

Not by email, SMS or other electronic communication unless you are an existing customer or have opted in. Every message must also give you an easy way to opt out.

What must happen after a data breach?

A responsible party must notify the Information Regulator and the affected people as soon as reasonably possible, so they can protect themselves.

How do I see the information a business holds about me?

You can ask the business to confirm what personal information it holds and request access to it. You can also ask for incorrect information to be corrected or deleted.

Where do I complain?

Complain to the Information Regulator if a business or public body misuses your information or ignores your requests. Lodging a complaint is free.

When to see a lawyer

Speak to a lawyer if you suffered loss because of a data breach, if you run a business that handles sensitive information, or if you have received a notice from the Information Regulator.

This guide is general information about South African law and is not legal advice. Laws and amounts change; check the latest position or speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Read our disclaimer.

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