About ISPA
Founded in 1996, ISPA NPC is a non-profit company formally recognised as an Industry Representative Body (IRB) in 2009 by the Minister of Communications in terms of section 71 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (Act 25 of 2002), granting members special recognition and limited liability for Internet content.
ISPA provides monthly briefings to members on industry developments, regulatory news, and advisories to ensure ISP compliance, with a regulatory advisor available for support.
ISPA Impact
ISPA has shaped telecommunications policy in South Africa since inception, providing submissions and feedback on key legislation such as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act and the Regulation of Interception of Communications Act. It represents ISPs, advocating for unrestricted, affordable internet access, promoting open access and free competition, and providing feedback to prevent laws that could negatively impact the local internet sector.
ISPA’s Structure
ISPA is governed by a Board of Directors elected by ISPA members for a three-year term. Each voting member of ISPA has an equal vote, and any member providing Internet access services in South Africa qualifies as a voting member.
Personal Information Policy
All ISPA members are required to sign a membership undertaking which confirms that they will comply with all of the provisions of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) in respect of personal information collected by either ISPA or ISPA’s members. ISPA’s personal information policy is available here.
Take-down notice process
In accordance with our recognition as an IRB, ISPA operates a take-down notice process on behalf of its members. This process allows for unlawful content hosted by ISPA’s members to be reported, and, where necessary, acted upon. This process facilitates the removal of phishing and fraud sites from the South African Internet. By supporting the take-down notice process, ISPA’s members gain special limitations on liability for content.
Partnerships
ISPA maintains strong working relationships with governmental bodies (ICASA, Film and Publications Board, SAPS) and other industry associations (WAPA, SABRIC, Digital Council Africa), and collaborates internationally to share information and experiences.
Code of Conduct and Consumer Support
All ISPA members are bound by a Code of Conduct that requires adherence to standards in privacy, consumer protection, and protection of vulnerable persons. This assures the public of honest information and provides recourse for disputes.
ISPA mediates consumer disputes with ISPs, ensuring information collection and escalation for swift resolution. It also operates a highly effective take-down notice process, allowing unlawful content like fraudulent websites hosted by members to be reported and removed.
