South Africa: Closed consultation for Data & Cloud Policy includes data residency obligations

The public consultation for the Draft National Data and Cloud Policy is closed. The draft includes the proposition that all data classified/identified as critical Information Infrastructure shall be processed and stored within the borders of South Africa. Furthermore, cross-border transfers of citizen data are to be carried out along the POPIA and a copy of data must be stored in South Africa for law enforcement purposes. To ensure ownership and control, the proposal states that data generated in South Africa shall be the property of South Africa, regardless of where the technology company is domiciled.