Estates and complexes warned over car and licence scanning
Gated communities in South Africa might have to rethink their safety practices.
Residential estates, complexes, and gated communities across the country are being warned over how they handle private details of visitors.
According to BusinessTech, South Africa’s Information Regulator is currently finalising a new code of conduct.
This document will dictate exactly how properties with controlled access must manage visitor data to stay on the right side of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
According to ATG Digital, a local specialist in access control, the arrival of this code means the usual routine at the boom gate might change.
“South Africa’s estates and office parks are bracing for a major shake-up at their security boom gates,” the company noted.
What’s changing?
The core of the issue is how many estates collect and manage people’s personal details.
This includes keeping data for years or leaving it where anyone can see it. The Regulator is stepping in.
ATG Digital says: “The Information Regulator is finalising a POPIA Code of Conduct for Gated Access that will directly impact how controlled-access properties collect and store visitor data.”
Problems that have been noted include:
- Leaving visitor logbooks open for the next person in line to read.
- Making copies of IDs or licences without a legitimate reason.
- Asking for details that have nothing to do with security, like where you work or who your family members are.
If these behaviours are reported, the estate or body corporate could find itself in the middle of an official investigation.
How estates will be held responsible
While estates can still collect basic information such as your name, ID or passport number, car registration, and who you are visiting, there will be stricter regulation of how this is managed.
High-tech tools like facial recognition, CCTV, and licence plate scanners are specifically being scrutinised.
The issue is not the technology itself, but whether it is being used fairly and legally.
Estates will now have to provide clearer notices to everyone entering and justify exactly why they are keeping footage or logs for a specific amount of time.
If a logbook goes missing or biometrics are handled poorly, the homeowners’ association or body corporate will usually be held responsible.
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