Kim Kardashian’s Krypto Trouble Should Be A Warning To You
Reality star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian recently found herself in legal trouble in the United States after endorsing the high-risk cryptocurrency EthereumMax (“Emax”) to her millions of followers on Instagram. Since her endorsement, EMAX’s value has plummeted which led to the US Securities and Exchanges Commission bringing charges against Kim. The problem lies in the more...
A boon for privacy and a blow for justice: What you need to know about the new Vodacom judgment
In April 2023, the Supreme Court of Appeal (“SCA”) handed down judgment in the case of Giftwrap Trading (Pty) Ltd v Vodacom (Pty) Ltd and Others[1] (“Vodacom”). The case set a consequential precedent for data privacy law but may also have the effect of stifling the ability of potential litigants to obtain information from internet more...
The Ban of TikTok: The US is worried, should you be?
From 2020, TikTok has become a global social media sensation. TikTok is an app where users share short form videos of them dancing, singing, vlogging, and participating in challenges etc. However, recently, the United States, Europe, and Canada have named this app as a threat to their national security and are making efforts to ban more...
Electronic signature of sale of immovable property agreements – what’s new?
If you asked a year ago whether you could sign a sale of immovable property agreement electronically, the short answer would have been that an electronically signed agreement of sale is not valid or binding on the parties. With the swift advances in technology, and more people than ever working remotely, there has been a more...
Commencement of the Cybercrimes Act
The President has proclaimed the commencement of the lion’s share of the Cybercrimes Act, No 19 of 2020, with effect from the 1st of December 2021. The sections omitted from commencement are largely related to the implementation of enforcement mechanisms, and are presumably omitted so as to allow the necessary administrative arrangements to be made. more...
The consequences of the Cybercrimes Act on Social Media (ab)use
The President has finally signed the Cybercrimes Bill into law after a long legislative process. The Cybercrimes Act (the Act) focuses mainly on criminalising the interference with computer systems and data, which is described in more detail in Andrew Marshall’s article on the subject. However, the Act also has bearing on the way we use more...
Cybercrimes Act
After an extended period in Parliament, the Cybercrimes Act has finally been signed into law by the President. The purpose of the Act is to bring South Africa into line with international jurisprudence on the detection and prosecution of crimes which are either specific to computers, or which are perpetrated using computers. This is a more...
Online Gaming – the risks and dangers
Gaming online is not new; it’s actually been around since the 1960s. However, new technology and high-speed internet connections have certainly helped playing online games like Call of Duty and Fortnite become the popular hobby it is today. Online gaming can also refer to online gambling, for example, casino-like games, lotteries, and betting on sporting more...
A summary on the legality of Electronic Debit Orders
We are all accustomed to using debit orders for various reasons, for example: Netflix fees, gym memberships, internet monthly usage and store credit accounts. It is important to consider whether the instructions we provide for these debit orders electronically are legal, valid and enforceable by the merchants and banks. In essence, a debit order is more...
Let’s discuss the interception of data!
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, and it allows us to save on data costs and work on the go, as these networks are usually in public places such as airports, coffee shops and shopping malls. But, no matter the convenience, we recommend caution if you connect to public networks as firstly, you do not have any more...
PAIA Manuals – Time is Running Out
It has sneaked up on us, but it looks like the long-delayed PAIA manuals must finally be compiled. POPIA is also clamouring to be included in the manuals. End of Exemption from Compiling a PAIA Manual The Promotion of Access to Information Act No. 2 of 2000, better known as PAIA, commenced in March 2001. more...
Doxing and social media vigilantism
Our reliance on technology, and social media to a degree, has led to a rise in cyberbullying trends such as doxing and stalking. As great as technology is, it unfortunately also provides people with an instant, viral and anonymous way to inflict harm more easily on others. The phenomenon of doxing can be seen every more...