POPIA
South Africa's privacy law protecting personal information
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems.
Quick Verdict
POPIA mandates privacy protections for personal data in South Africa with strict enforcement, while ISO 28000 offers voluntary supply chain security certification globally. Companies adopt POPIA for legal compliance; ISO 28000 for resilience and market trust.
POPIA
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
Key Features
- Protects juristic persons as data subjects
- Mandates Information Officer appointment
- Eight conditions for lawful processing
- Responsible Party liable for Operators
- Prior authorisation for high-risk processing
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based PDCA cycle for security management
- Supply chain focus including external providers
- Top management leadership and commitment required
- Operational security plans and response procedures
- Integration with ISO 31000 and 22301 standards
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
POPIA Details
What It Is
POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4 of 2013)) is South Africa's comprehensive privacy regulation enforcing lawful processing of personal information for natural and juristic persons. Its accountability-based approach structures compliance around eight conditions, data subject rights, and security safeguards overseen by the Information Regulator.
Key Components
- Eight conditions: accountability, processing limitation, purpose specification, further processing limitation, information quality, openness, security safeguards, data subject participation.
- Core elements include mandatory Information Officer, operator contracts, breach notification (Section 22), and prior authorisation for high-risk activities.
- Built on GDPR-aligned principles with unique juristic person protections; compliance via demonstrable controls, no certification but regulatory enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal obligations with fines up to ZAR 10 million, imprisonment risks.
- Manages data breach, litigation, reputational risks.
- Builds trust, enables secure data flows, supports B2B compliance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, data mapping, governance, controls, training.
- Applies universally to SA-domiciled or processing entities; risk-based for all sizes.
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international standard specifying requirements for security management systems (SMS) focused on supply chain security. It provides a risk-based framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to manage threats like theft, sabotage, and disruptions.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes risk assessment (aligned with ISO 31000), operational controls, security plans, and supplier interdependencies.
- Built on harmonized ISO structure for integration with standards like ISO 22301 and ISO 27001.
- Optional third-party certification via ISO 28003.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces security incidents and enhances resilience.
- Meets contractual, regulatory, and insurance requirements.
- Builds stakeholder trust and enables market access.
- Provides competitive edge through certified assurance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, risk assessment, policy development, training, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes and sectors like logistics, manufacturing.
- Involves internal audits, management reviews; certification via Stage 1/2 audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | POPIA | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Personal information processing, data subject rights, security | Supply chain security management system, risks, resilience |
| Industry | All sectors in South Africa, universal applicability | Logistics, manufacturing, any supply chain organization globally |
| Nature | Mandatory South African privacy statute, enforced by Regulator | Voluntary international certification management standard |
| Testing | Security measures verification, risk assessments, DPIAs | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | Fines up to ZAR 10M, imprisonment, civil claims | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about POPIA and ISO 28000
POPIA FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
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