South Africa Cybercrimes Act
In force South Africa · In force Dec 1, 2021 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Creates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.
- Who it applies to
- Everyone in South Africa; electronic communications service providers and financial institutions have specific duties once section 54 commences.
- Penalties
- Criminal fines and prison terms set per offence, up to 15 years for the most serious offences.
- Enforced by
- South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and the courts
- Official name
- Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020
- Citation
- Act 19 of 2020 (Gazette 44651)
- Topics
- cybersecurity, online-safety, breach-notification
Verified 2026-09-25 gov.za
Research notes
enacted_date is the Gazette publication date (1 June 2021). Section 54 reporting (72 hours) has no commencement date yet.
Related
Questions about South Africa Cybercrimes Act
- What are the South Africa Cybercrimes Act compliance deadlines?
- Dec 1, 2021: Most of the Act commences.
- When does South Africa Cybercrimes Act take effect?
- South Africa Cybercrimes Act took effect on Dec 1, 2021.
- Who does South Africa Cybercrimes Act apply to?
- Everyone in South Africa; electronic communications service providers and financial institutions have specific duties once section 54 commences.
- What are the penalties under South Africa Cybercrimes Act?
- Criminal fines and prison terms set per offence, up to 15 years for the most serious offences.