All You Need To Know

6 Key Information To Understanding DPO

The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) mandates that every business must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Non-compliance means serious consequences: fines, legal actions, and a damaged business reputation.

Date

As of 30th September 2024

Every business must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) by 30th September 2024. Although PDPC does not currently have penalties for failure of compliance, they reserve the rights to issue penalties if they choose to.

Government Mandate

Singapore's PDPC Mandate

Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) have issued the mandate that all Singapore organisations must appoint a DPO and make their business contact information public under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA).

Consequences

Fines, Penalties and Reputation Loss

Singapore entities can be fined up to S$ 1 Million for failing to have proper data protection policies in place. In addition, case studies will be made public attributing to reputation loss.

Immediate Action

Appoint DPO on ACRA

Your company secretary should be able to assist you in appointing a DPO for your company. If your company secretary does not know how to do so, we can guide you.

Work To Be Done

Policy, Training & Data Breach Handling

Appointed DPOs must ensure the company's data policies are updated & drafted, employees are trained and be well equipped in handling any data breaches.

Your Options

DIY or Outsource

You can choose to appoint yourself as a DPO. The smarter alternative is to outsource this task to an expert. Free up your time as a business owner and be assured that your entity is compliant.

The Price of Ignoring the Law:

Fines, Lawsuits and Ruined Reputations

Here are real case studies published by the PDPC for each company that experienced a data breach…what you see here is just a small portion of companies that are getting fined…

Breach of the Protection and Accountability Obligations
By
Consumers’ Association of Singapore
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Accountability
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($20,000) , Directions
28 Aug 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligation
By
Academy of Medicine SIngapore
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($9,000)
02 Aug 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligation
By
Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($120,000) , Directions
02 Aug 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligations
By
CH Offshore
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($18,000) , Directions
04 Jul 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligations
By
Tok Leng Leng t/a Top Mobile Gallery (BR)
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($7,000) , Directions
04 Jul 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligations
By
Horizon Fast Ferry
Nature of Breach:
Accountability
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($28,000), Directions
23 May 2024
Breach of the Protection and Accountability Obligations
By
PPLingo
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($74,000)
23 May 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligations
By
Payroll2U
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($4,000)
22 Apr 2024
Breach of the Protection Obligations
By
Whiz Communications
Nature of Breach:
Protection
Decision:
Financial Penalty ($9,000)
21 Mar 2024

Don’t let your company become another case study…

Hiring Full Time DPO vs Outsourced DPO

What Does A DPO DO?
DPOService.sg
Full-Time DPO
Other DPO Providers
Fulfill ACRA Appointment
Perform Audit
Craft Policies
Train Employees on Policies
Handle Data Breaches
Manage Complaints & Alerts
Trusted To Stay Appointed Forever
Cyber Insurance Application
Data Mark Applications & Trust Mark Applications
Costs
From $100/ Month
From $7,000/ Month
From $200/ Month

Do the math…make the right decision.

Why are we the Top and Best DPO Service Provider in Singapore?

We’ve solved data breaches, data protection queries and data compliance questions for many of our clients…here are probably some questions in your head…

I am a Small Company & I don’t collect data...what can I do?

All companies collect some form of data (employee data counts). As such, all companies requires a DPO to be appointed.

DPOservice.sg have a custom-tailored plan (with lowered costs) to cater to such companies and also have them fully compliant & supported.

Can I appoint myself as a DPO but have you support us?

We typically advise our customers to appoint us as their DPO because our primary value lies in handling all communications with the government on your behalf.

However, if you prefer to appoint a DPO internally, DPOservice.sg offers a comprehensive Set-Up service to get you started, along with ongoing support to ensure you remain compliant.

Help! We got breached, is it too late to appoint you as a DPO ?

It's not too late to appoint us as your DPO, even after a breach. In fact, having a dedicated DPO during a crisis is crucial.

We can help manage the breach response, communicate with the relevant authorities, and guide you through compliance measures to mitigate the impact. Speak with us as soon as possible.

Does a DPO need to be a Singaporean?

No, a Data Protection Officer (DPO) does not need to be a Singaporean. However, the appointed DPO should be familiar with Singapore's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and be readily available to handle any data protection-related matters, including communication with Singaporean authorities. While there is no nationality requirement, it's important that the DPO has a deep understanding of local data protection regulations and practices.

Outsourced DPO Costs?

The cost of outsourcing a Data Protection Officer (DPO) in Singapore can vary depending on the complexity of your business and the services provided.

DPOservice.sg outsourced DPO services range from SGD 150 / month for really small businesses. To get an accurate quote for your company, speak to us today.

Why does the PDPC's banner say that registration is voluntary, but its FAQ states that appointing a DPO is mandatory?

The registration of a DPO with ACRA is voluntary, but appointing a DPO is mandatory under the PDPA. If you choose not to register your DPO via ACRA, you are still required to ensure that the DPO's contact information is publicly available, as part of your compliance with the regulations.