Direct Messaging in the Age of POPIA
Direct Messaging is a key marketing tool for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), but it must adhere to personal data laws like South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). POPIA, implemented in 2021, regulates data usage, requiring explicit user consent and emphasising transparency. Non-compliance risks fines and reputational damage. Businesses must understand their data’s collection, processing and storage, and ensure clear opt-in/opt-out mechanisms. POPIA also offers an opportunity for businesses to build trust and foster long-term relationships with customers through ethical data practices and personalised communication. Affordable compliance tools include Zoho CRM, Mailchimp, and Hubspot.