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IT law special interest group convenes


Johannesburg, 07 Sep 2006

Yesterday marked the introduction of a special interest group on IT law, backed by the Information Security Group of Africa and led by Johann Hershensohn, advocate of the High Court of SA.

The group aims to create a guide and best practices framework for IT lawyers in Africa, as well as educate the layman about the IT-related laws affecting them.

Held at the SAPS offices in Newlands, Pretoria, attendants included members from the SAPS and lawyers from various firms.

"IT law is expanding and getting more and more complicated," said Hershensohn, explaining the need for an IT law group. "And law ties in with so many aspects."

One of the lawyers recalled the past when, in 2001, IT issues were only governed by a single law.

"Now there are so many laws affecting IT, it is impossible to illustrate them in a way that makes sense," said Hershensohn.

The group will start off with existing models for its best practices frameworks, such as the WASPA and IPSA models. Initial areas of focus include ICT law in general, labour law, digital forensics and evidence, social responsibility, domain name disputes and intellectual property rights.

"We have to be cohesive and pull everyone together," said Hershensohn.

The group will meet every first Thursday of the month. Interested parties can e-mail Hershensohn at johann@isgafrica.org.

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