Compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act No. 4 of 2013 (POPIA) will be mandatory for all sectors in South Africa from 1 July 2021. To promote understanding and compliance with POPIA within the research community in South Africa, a Code of Conduct for Research is being developed through a transparent and consultative process led by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). The commentary by Adams and colleagues describes the purpose and process of the Code of Conduct for Research which, it is envisaged, will be submitted by ASSAf to the Information Regulator by early June 2021.

The proposed code will pertain to all research conducted in South Africa which uses personal information as defined under POPIA as part of the research process. The full scope of the code of conduct is set out in a discussion document authored by the drafting and steering committees.

Further input from the research community is encouraged for the development of a code of conduct that has lasting value in guiding the research community of South Africa in complying with POPIA.

Researchers can submit their comments and questions for consideration by the committees here.