Official Site of PDPA Compliance in Singapore
50% Pre-approved Grant for Data Protection Trustmark (DPTM) Certification for SMEs
Why do more businesses want to be DATA PROTECTION TRUSTMARK certified?
The Data Protection Trustmark (“DPTM”) issued by IMDA helps businesses increase sales by building trust with their customers, their associates, and their management & staff and enhances market access.
The DPTM certification demonstrates the corporate culture and values towards full compliance with the obligations of the Company under the PDPA.
Stakeholders may rest assured that the organization has put in place responsible data protection practices and will take better care of their personal data.
What is the PDPA Compliance Group?
The PDPA Compliance Group is an organization of independent experts in personal data protection. These experts are professionally trained and committed to helping organisations in Singapore comply with the PDPA.
iSmart Communications has engaged the PDPA Compliance Group in Singapore to help us acquire the Data Protection Trust Mark.
PDPA Compliance
ACRA Registration No. 53394982C
10 Anson Road, #29-04A, International Plaza, Singapore 079903.
What services does PDPA Compliance provide?
The PDPA Compliance Group provides a comprehensive suite of PDPA services in Singapore and Asia:
- Data Protection Officer
- Prepare Data Protection Policy
- Prepare procedures, processes, & practices for PDPA compliance
- Staff training on PDPA compliance in Singapore
- Third-party PDPA contract review
- Data protection system audit
- PDPA Incident management etc.
To learn more about how we can help your business with PDPA Compliance, please contact us.
What is PDPA compliance in Singapore?
Singapore Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) is a law that governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data by all organisations.
Organisations in Singapore that fail to comply with PDPA may be fined up to $1 million and suffer reputation damage.
The PDPA covers all electronic and non-electronic personal data, regardless of whether the personal data is true or false.
The PDPA recognises both the need to protect individuals’ personal data and the need of organisations to collect, use or disclose personal data for legitimate and reasonable purposes.
A data protection regime is necessary to safeguard personal data from misuse and to maintain individuals’ trust in organisations that manage their data.
By regulating the flow of personal data among organisations, the PDPA also aims to strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for businesses
What is Personal Data in Singapore?
Personal data is any information that identifies an individual. Different pieces of information, which are collected together can lead to the identification of a particular person and also constitute personal data.
What constitutes a breach of personal data in Singapore?
A personal data breach means a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data.
What is the scope of the PDPA in Singapore?
The PDPA covers personal data stored in electronic and non-electronic formats.
It generally does not apply to:
- Any individual acting on a personal or domestic basis.
- Any individual acting in his/her capacity as an employee with an organisation.
- Any public agency in relation to the collection, use, or disclosure of personal data.
- Business contact information such as an individual’s name, position or title, business telephone number, business address, business email, business fax number, and similar information.
Why Should Your Organisation Comply with the PDPA in Singapore?
PDPA compliance in Singapore is not only a legal obligation but also a critical aspect of safeguarding your organisation's reputation, competitiveness, and operational resilience. Here are the key reasons why your organisation must comply with the PDPA:
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Legal Mandates Under the PDPA: Compliance with the PDPA is a legal requirement for organisations operating in Singapore. Organisations that fail to meet PDPA standards may face severe consequences, including financial penalties, legal liabilities, or, in extreme cases, imprisonment. Adhering to the PDPA ensures that your organisation remains on the right side of the law.
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Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Organisations that prioritise PDPA compliance in Singapore project a commitment to respecting customer and employee privacy. This fosters trust and confidence among stakeholders, strengthens customer relationships, and enhances your organisation's reputation as a responsible and ethical business.
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A Competitive Edge in the Market: Demonstrating robust compliance with PDPA standards can set your organisation apart from competitors. Customers and partners are increasingly drawn to businesses that uphold best practices in data protection, which positions your organisation as a preferred choice in a privacy-conscious marketplace.
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Safeguarding Business Continuity: Non-compliance with the PDPA increases the risk of data breaches, operational disruptions, and financial losses. By aligning with PDPA guidelines, your organisation reduces the likelihood of such incidents, ensuring smoother operations and sustained customer trust.
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Alignment with Global Data Protection Standards: PDPA compliance can facilitate easier adaptation to international data protection laws, such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). By adhering to similar principles, organisations in Singapore can position themselves for seamless business dealings across global markets.
The Importance of Proactive PDPA Compliance
As Singapore continues to lead in creating a secure digital ecosystem, PDPA compliance has become a benchmark for operational excellence and trustworthiness. Incorporating PDPA principles into your organisational practices not only safeguards personal data but also opens doors to broader opportunities in a privacy-focused business environment.
Invest in robust compliance strategies today to secure your organisation’s future while upholding the highest standards of data protection in Singapore.
Every organisation in Singapore must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Is a DPO mandatory under the PDPA?
Under the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA), a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is mandatory when your company/organisation is collecting personal data during its operations. A DPO of your company can be one individual or a team to ensure its compliance with the PDPA of Singapore.
The following are examples of organisations required to appoint a DPO:
- A hospital processing large sets of sensitive data;
- A security company responsible for monitoring shopping centres and public spaces;
- A small headhunting company that profiles individuals.
Who can be a DPO?
A DPO must be competent in data protection, adequately resourced, and report to the highest management level. A DPO can be an existing employee or externally appointed.
What are the roles of a DPO?
In Singapore, Data Protection Officers (DPOs) play a critical role in ensuring that organisations comply with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). The PDPA was enacted to govern the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data by organisations in Singapore.
The key responsibilities of a DPO in Singapore include:
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Advising the organisation: The DPO should provide advice and guidance to the organisation's management and employees on matters related to the protection of personal data, including compliance with the PDPA and related regulations.
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Monitoring compliance: The DPO is responsible for ensuring that the organisation complies with the PDPA and related regulations. This includes reviewing policies and procedures, conducting data protection impact assessments, and monitoring data breaches.
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Data protection training: The DPO should conduct regular training sessions for the organisation's employees to educate them on the importance of data protection and the proper handling of personal data.
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Responding to data breaches: The DPO should have a clear plan in place for responding to data breaches, including notifying affected individuals and the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) in a timely manner.
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Liaising with the PDPC: The DPO is the main point of contact between the organisation and the PDPC on matters related to personal data protection. This includes responding to queries from the PDPC and notifying the PDPC of any breaches.
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Conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): DPIAs are assessments conducted by the DPO to identify and mitigate any potential risks associated with the processing of personal data. The DPO should identify and analyse any risks associated with data processing activities and recommend measures to mitigate them.
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Implementing Data Protection Policies and Procedures: The DPO should develop, implement and review data protection policies and procedures within the organisation. These policies and procedures should align with the PDPA and related regulations and provide clear guidance on handling personal data.
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Managing Data Subject Requests: The DPO is responsible for managing requests from data subjects, including requests for access to personal data, correction of personal data, and deletion of personal data. The DPO should ensure that such requests are handled in a timely and compliant manner.
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Conducting Data Protection Audits: The DPO should conduct regular audits of the organisation's data protection practices to identify any gaps or areas of improvement. These audits can help the organisation stay compliant with the PDPA and related regulations.
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Maintaining Records: The DPO should maintain records of the organisation's data processing activities, including the types of personal data collected, the purposes for processing, and any third-party disclosures. These records should be made available to the PDPC upon request.
In summary, the DPO plays a critical role in ensuring that the organisation complies with the PDPA and related regulations, and that personal data is processed in a responsible and secure manner. The DPO should have a thorough understanding of the PDPA and related regulations and be able to provide guidance and support to the organisation on data protection matters.
What is the penalty for any breach of the PDPA?
From 1 October 2022, for any breach of the PDPA, an organisation that breaches the PDPA may face fines of up to: SGD 1 million; or. where the organisation's annual turnover in Singapore exceeds SGD 10 million, 10% of the organisation's Singapore turnover.
Penalties imposed under the PDPA could potentially be more stringent compared to the GPDR, which currently imposes fines of up to €20 million or 4% worldwide turnover, whichever is higher.
The new PDPA also makes it a criminal offence for individuals (including employees) to mishandle personal data or re-identify anonymised information without authorisation. The offence is punishable with an SGD 5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.
Does the PDPA cover B2B databases?
The PDPA does not apply to business contact information, which may include name, business title, corporate telephone numbers, business addresses, and business email addresses.
Such contact information is made publicly available to facilitate commerce and trade. Organisations will not be required to obtain consent prior to collection, use, or disclosure.
In addition, organisations sending business-to-business (B2B) marketing messages through phone calls, SMS, or fax are not required to comply with the Do Not Call provisions.
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