Information Regulator fines FNB R1 million over POPIA violations

The Information Regulator has imposed hefty fines on Central Johannesburg TVET College and First National Bank for violating the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Acting Senior Manager for POPIA, Hangi Mbedzi, revealed that the Central Johannesburg TVET College was fined R500,000 for failing to adhere to an enforcement notice issued following complaints of unlawful processing of personal information.

On the other hand, First National Bank faced a fine of R1 million after a security breach on its home loan platform exposed sensitive customer data. Mbedzi emphasized that the penalties reflect the gravity of the breaches and the potential harm to affected individuals. According to the legislation, the regulator considers factors such as the type of compromised personal information, the number of individuals affected, and the potential distress or damage caused. These factors aid in determining the fines imposed on the institutions.