Question NW1130 to the Minister of Employment and Labour
19 May 2021 - NW1130
Bagraim, Mr M to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1)With reference to page 16 of the latest Annual Performance Plan of the Compensation Fund where it flags the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act 4 of 2013, as a threat within the legal environment, what has he found are the reasons that the Compensation Fund deems the specified Act a threat; (2) whether the Compensation Fund has found that the Act has proven to be an important safeguard against abuse of personal information; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The nature of operations of the Fund is such that it collects and processes large volumes of personal information of its clients (beneficiaries, and Medical Service Providers). The threat in the Annual Performance Plan was highlighted in the context of the risk of potential breach of personal information. In the event that such personal information is not adequately and safely managed/stored, it might fall into wrong hands and with the potential of being abused/misused.
2. Yes. The Act has proven to be an important safeguard against abuse of personal information. The Fund has developed and is implementing a compliance plan.