Compliance & Regulation
Jan 22, 2025
Understanding PDPA: Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act
The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) governs the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data in Singapore. Learn how businesses can comply with this comprehensive law to protect customer information and maintain trust.
What Is PDPA?
The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), enacted in 2012, is Singapore’s data privacy law that governs how organizations handle personal data. It balances the need for businesses to use personal data with the individual’s right to privacy, ensuring transparency and accountability.
PDPA applies to all private-sector organizations, regardless of size or industry, making it essential for businesses operating in Singapore to understand and comply with its provisions.
Key Components of PDPA
1. Consent Obligation
Organizations must obtain an individual’s consent before collecting, using, or disclosing their personal data, unless exceptions apply (e.g., for legal or business purposes).
2. Purpose Limitation Obligation
Personal data can only be used for the specific purpose for which it was collected. Any use beyond this purpose requires additional consent.
3. Notification Obligation
Businesses must inform individuals of the purpose for which their data is being collected, used, or disclosed.
4. Access and Correction Obligation
Individuals have the right to:
Request access to their personal data.
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data.
5. Protection Obligation
Organizations must implement reasonable security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
6. Retention Limitation Obligation
Personal data should not be retained longer than necessary. Organizations must have clear policies for data retention and disposal.
7. Data Breach Notification Obligation
Under amendments introduced in 2021, organizations must notify the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) and affected individuals of data breaches that pose significant harm.
8. Transfer Limitation Obligation
When transferring personal data outside of Singapore, organizations must ensure the data is accorded a comparable level of protection.
How PDPA Affects Businesses
1. Transparency with Customers
Businesses must clearly communicate how personal data is collected, used, and stored, fostering trust and confidence among customers.
2. Enhanced Data Security
Compliance requires robust security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and their associated consequences.
3. Operational Adjustments
Organizations may need to update processes, train employees, and implement policies to align with PDPA requirements.
4. Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with PDPA can result in significant fines, with penalties of up to SGD $1 million for serious breaches.
Best Practices for PDPA Compliance
1. Conduct a Data Inventory
Review what personal data is collected, how it’s used, and whether it complies with PDPA.
2. Obtain Clear Consent
Ensure consent is obtained before collecting or using personal data and provide individuals with the option to withdraw their consent.
3. Secure Personal Data
Implement encryption, access controls, and regular security audits to protect sensitive information.
4. Train Employees
Educate staff about PDPA obligations and best practices for handling personal data responsibly.
5. Review Data Retention Policies
Define how long data is retained and establish procedures for secure disposal of unnecessary records.
Applications of PDPA in Business
Customer Onboarding: Inform customers about how their data will be used during the signup process.
Marketing Campaigns: Ensure marketing emails or calls are sent only to individuals who have consented.
Vendor Contracts: Include data protection clauses when working with third-party service providers.
E-Commerce: Safeguard personal data collected during transactions and shipping processes.
How FlowSign Supports PDPA Compliance
FlowSign helps businesses align with PDPA by providing:
Consent Management: Clear workflows to capture and document individual consent for data use.
Secure Document Handling: End-to-end encryption ensures personal data in contracts and agreements is protected.
Audit Trails: Tamper-proof logs of document interactions provide transparency and accountability.
Retention Policies: Easily manage document storage and disposal to comply with PDPA’s retention limitation obligation.
Cross-Border Transfers: Ensure a comparable level of protection when sharing data internationally.
Affordable Pricing: FlowSign offers plans starting at $39.99/month for up to 3 users on an annual plan or $49.99/month billed monthly. Additional users can be added for $14.99/month per user.
Why PDPA Matters for Businesses
PDPA compliance is not just about avoiding penalties—it’s about building trust with your customers by demonstrating a commitment to their privacy. Businesses that handle personal data responsibly enhance their reputation and strengthen customer relationships.
Simplify Your PDPA Compliance Today
FlowSign provides the tools and support businesses need to meet PDPA requirements while streamlining document workflows.
Ready to protect your customer data and comply with PDPA? Sign up today and discover how FlowSign can help your business ensure privacy, security, and compliance.
