Overview 

Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are transforming the way organisations collect, process and use data, creating new opportunities while introducing complex legal, ethical and governance challenges. As AI-driven decision-making, biometric technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning become increasingly embedded in business operations, professionals must ensure that innovation is balanced with responsible data governance and compliance. 

This intermediate-level webinar will explore the evolving relationship between South Africa's data protection framework, particularly POPIA, and international standards such as the GDPR and the OECD AI Principles. Participants will gain practical guidance on identifying legal and ethical risks associated with emerging technologies, implementing responsible AI governance, advising clients on data compliance, and preparing for future regulatory developments in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. 

Join Nicolene Schoeman-Louw on 20 September 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, as she explores the legal and ethical implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, providing practical guidance on responsible data governance, regulatory compliance, and professional obligations when advising clients in an increasingly AI-driven environment. 

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills: 

• Explain the core principles of data ethics and their application within POPIA and international regulatory frameworks.  

• Identify the legal, ethical and governance risks associated with AI, machine learning, biometric technologies, IoT and automated decision-making.  

• Advise organisations and clients on practical data governance measures, including consent management, purpose limitation and data minimisation.  

• Apply professional ethical obligations when using or advising on AI technologies, including confidentiality, competence and duty of care.  

• Anticipate emerging regulatory developments affecting AI governance, cross-border data transfers and responsible innovation. 

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics: 

• Data Ethics and Regulatory Frameworks  

  • Core principles of data ethics  

  • Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)  

  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)  

  • OECD AI Principles and international best practice  

• Legal and Ethical Challenges of Emerging Technologies  

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)  

  • Biometric data processing  

  • Internet of Things (IoT)  

  • Algorithmic decision-making and automated profiling  

  • Ethical risks including bias, transparency and accountability  

• Responsible Data Governance in Practice  

  • Lawful processing and consent management  

  • Purpose limitation and data minimisation  

  • Privacy by design and governance frameworks  

  • AI risk management and accountability  

  • Cross-border data transfers and international compliance  

• Professional Responsibilities and Ethical Practice  

  • Confidentiality when using AI tools  

  • Professional competence and due care  

  • Ethical use of generative AI in professional services  

  • Client advisory responsibilities and governance  

• Future Regulatory Developments  

  • Emerging AI regulation in South Africa  

  • International AI governance trends  

  • Preparing organisations for future compliance obligations 

About the presenter 

Nicolene  Schoeman-Louw   

Nicolene  Schoeman-Louw is the Founder and Managing Director of Schoeman Law Inc in Cape Town, South Africa. She is an admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Conveyancer, Notary Public and Mediator with a passion for assisting entrepreneurs to reach their most ambitious goals.   

Nicolene holds an LLB degree cum laude, LLM from the University of the Free State and a postgraduate diploma in financial planning (CFP) from the University of Stellenbosch. She lectured at the University of the Free State during her studies, presently guest-lectures at Stellenbosch Business School. She also presents seminars and workshops on a wide range of legal topics for various organizations. Nicolene is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of PocketAdvisor where she also doubles up as a skilled facilitator.  

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Attorneys. 

• Corporate Legal Professionals. 

• Legal Academics. 

• Candidate attorneys. 

• Law Students. 

• Paralegals. 

Price 

• R 450.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

• Group Price 1 - From R337 per person (up to 5 users)   

• Group Price 2 - From R260 per person (up to 10 users)   

• Group Price 3 - From R224 per person (over 11 users)  

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here  to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here  to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material 

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/ or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar. 

About SA Legal Academy 

Welcome to SA Legal Academy (SALA), a provider of courses to help you succeed in your chosen career. We are committed to providing our students with the highest quality training and support, to ensure that your skills and knowledge are up to date and ready to face the challenges of the modern workplace. Our courses are designed to ensure that you reach your professional goals and enhance your career prospects. With our experienced training staff and comprehensive resources, you can be confident that you will receive the highest quality of training from SA Legal Academy. 

SALA is a Level 2 B-BBEE contributor, with 125% procurement recognition. Training spend on certain solutions can be allocated against the Skills Development element of the B-BBEE Scorecard through accredited and nonaccredited training or claimed through SETA grants. In addition, 25% of your Skills Expenditure can be claimed on non-accredited training or courses. 

Corporate Training Solutions 

At SALA, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in legal and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. 

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritize hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios. 

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 012 941 0448. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organizational goals. 

Contact Us For More Information 

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!  

• Online chat through our website.  

• Phone: +27 (0) 12 941 0448  

• E-mail: [email protected]