Data security and privacy are two important matters to be taken seriously. Since pretty much anything and everything can be done online these days, being forced to disclose personal data to organizations and companies is no longer a surprise. The fact is, whenever we purchase something online, there is always a piece of personal data that we have to share with the seller.
That being said, it is still important for you to ensure that your data stays well-protected at all times. Our professionals here at Timcole can help you comply with the PDPA and protect your data.
The Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Singapore organizations are required to comply with the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA). According to this act, it is important for every company to appoint at least one individual who will act the role as a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The officer helps to regulate the collection, use, and/or disclosure of personal data by the organizations.
Every organization has to protect the personal data that is under its control. In order to ensure compliance with PDPA’s requirements and regulate the data, every company must appoint at least one individual to be responsible.
The Role and Responsibilities a Data Protection Officer
Data Protection Officer (DPO) has a very important role to play when it comes to ensuring that the PDPA’s guidelines are met. The main goal is to turn data protection into a competitive advantage for their organization, as well as to encourage trust in the wider data ecosystem.
The designated Data Protection Officer can be one of the existing employees in the company. For larger organizations, this role can be assigned to a management committee. The person assigned can share the responsibilities with other employees if necessary.
Although you are not required by law to inform the PDPA of the DPO’s details, it is strongly encouraged for Singapore companies to do so. Thus, we strongly encourage you to use ACRA’s BizFile+ to submit the DPO’s appointment details if you have yet to do so.
What if there is a Breach of Personal Data?
Although there are strict rules when it comes to protecting personal data online, there are still cases in which rules have been broken. If an organization is prove guilty of violating the rules, there is a good chance that it will wind up facing some sort of financial penalty depending on the breach that has occurred.
If you would like to receive counselling when it comes to personal data protection, our professionals are always more than willing to help. We can help you take care of all your regulation and personal data protection tasks, as well as all the other corporate secretarial compliance you are required to follow. Contact us for a consultation.
There are many corporate compliances a Singapore-based company must comply to, and PDPA is only one of them.
Read more on other important corporate compliance requirements:
