Legal advice scheme to help SMEs comply with PDPA from June

THE Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) Legal Advice Scheme, which aims to provide legal advice to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at a fixed charge, will take effect from June.

The scheme is administered by the Law Society of Singapore and has been developed in consultation with the Personal Data Protection Commission.

Under the scheme, SMEs will be able to seek basic legal advice during a one-hour consultation with a lawyer assigned by the Law Society from the panel of lawyers on their compliance with the PDPA.

The consultation includes reviewing a PDPA Checklist, making an initial assessment of the SME's compliance with PDPA and advice on possible next steps, as well as providing preliminary advice on the need for additional legal services or consultation.

SMEs will have to pay a fixed charge of S$500.

If additional legal services are required by the SME, the fees for such services shall be as agreed between the SME and the assigned lawyer.

From June 1, SMEs interested in applying for the scheme may contact the Law Society.