Major amendments to Singapore’s data protection law passed – 4 key takeaways for your organisation

Singapore has introduced several significant changes in a long-awaited overhaul of the Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) to bring the law in closer alignment with the nation’s digital agenda and global privacy norms. These amendments are the result of a further three public consultations on the key policy positions between 2017 and 2019 so these changes have been anticipated for a long time in Singapore and in the region more broadly. 

Many of the amendments are seen as being business friendly while strengthening the accountability of organisations for personal data in their possession or under their control. The amendments also add flexibility and clarity to the PDPA. 

This alert summarises the key changes affecting organisations that are proposed in the Bill.