Quick Answer

PDPA-compliant AI systems in Singapore 2026 must include explicit user consent before data collection, clear purpose specification, data minimization (collect only what's needed), retention limits (auto-delete after defined period), user access and deletion rights, and audit trails. Non-compliance penalties reached S$1 million in 2025 cases. Adding PDPA compliance to AI projects costs S$3,000-S$8,000 but is mandatory, not optional. Most Singapore businesses spend 15-20% of AI project budgets on compliance features.

You're building an AI chatbot, automation system, or customer-facing tool. It will collect data. It will process personal information.

In Singapore, that means you need PDPA compliance. Not later. From day one.

Here's everything you need to know about building PDPA-compliant AI solutions in 2026.

What changed with PDPA in 2025-2026

Penalties got serious

In 2024, PDPA fines were typically S$5,000-S$20,000 for violations. In 2025, several high-profile cases saw penalties of S$200,000-S$1,000,000.

Why the increase: Data breaches affected thousands of Singaporeans. PDPC (Personal Data Protection Commission) decided light penalties weren't deterring bad behavior.

Impact: Businesses take PDPA way more seriously now. It's not just a checkbox anymore.

AI-specific guidance published

PDPC released comprehensive guidance specifically for AI systems in Singapore. Before this, businesses had to guess how PDPA applied to AI. Now it's clear.

Key requirements they clarified:

AI training data must be obtained with proper consent
Automated decisions must be explainable to users
Bias testing is required for AI making significant decisions
Human review must be available for disputed AI decisions

"Implied consent" is mostly gone. You need explicit, clear consent now.

Bad (2023 style): "By using this service, you agree to our privacy policy" buried in fine print

Required (2026 style): "We'll collect your name, email, and conversation history to provide this service. We'll keep it for 2 years. Is that okay? [Yes] [No]"

Mandatory breach notification

If your AI system is breached and personal data is compromised, you must:

Notify PDPC within 3 days
Notify affected individuals within 3 days
Provide detailed incident report within 30 days

Penalties for late notification: S$50,000-S$250,000 on top of other penalties.

Data portability requirements

Users can now request their data in machine-readable format. You have 30 days to provide it.

For AI systems: This means you need to export their conversation history, profile data, and any AI-generated insights about them.

The 9 PDPA requirements for AI systems

What it means: You must get explicit consent before collecting personal data.

For AI systems:

Display consent request before first interaction
Explain clearly what data you collect and why
Don't use pre-checked boxes (users must actively click "agree")
Allow users to use service without consenting to non-essential data collection

Example - Compliant:

Before we start, I need your consent:

I'll collect: Your name, email, conversation history, and usage data

Purpose: To provide customer support and improve our service

Retention: We'll keep this for 2 years, then delete automatically

You can request deletion anytime by saying "delete my data"

Do you consent to this? [Yes] [No]

Example - Non-compliant:

By using this chatbot, you agree to our privacy policy.
[OK]

Cost to implement: S$500-S$1,200 in development time

2. Purpose limitation

What it means: Only use data for the purpose you collected it for. Don't repurpose without new consent.

For AI systems:

Collected data for customer support? Can't use it for marketing without new consent
Collected data to train AI? Specify this clearly and get consent
Want to use data for analytics? Specify this upfront

Example scenario: You built an AI chatbot for customer support. You want to use conversation logs to train a better AI model. That's a new purpose. You need consent.

How to handle it:

Update: We'd like to use anonymized versions of our conversations
to improve our AI. Your personal info will be removed.
Is that okay? [Yes] [No, just use my data for support]

Cost to implement: S$300-S$800 (requires purpose tracking in database)

3. Notification

What it means: Tell users clearly what data you collect, why, and what you'll do with it.

For AI systems: Privacy policy isn't enough. You need in-app notification at the point of collection.

Where to notify:

First interaction with AI chatbot
Before form submission
When enabling new features that collect data
When AI starts recording (voice assistants)

What to include:

What data you collect
Why you need it
How long you'll keep it
Who has access to it
How to request deletion

Cost to implement: S$400-S$1,000 (notification UI + privacy policy updates)

4. Access and correction

What it means: Users can request their data and correct inaccuracies.

For AI systems: Build a way for users to:

View all data you have about them
Download it in readable format (CSV or PDF)
Correct wrong information
Request deletion

How to implement:

User settings → Privacy & Data → View My Data

Shows:
- Personal information (name, email, phone)
- Conversation history (last 24 months)
- AI-generated insights ("Customer prefers WhatsApp contact")
- Usage statistics

[Download all data] [Request deletion] [Correct information]

Response time requirement: 30 days to provide data

Cost to implement: S$1,500-S$3,000 (build data export and correction features)

5. Data retention

What it means: Don't keep data forever. Define retention periods and delete automatically.

For AI systems: Different data types have different retention needs:

Conversation logs: 1-2 years (enough for quality improvement, not excessive)

Customer profiles: As long as customer relationship exists + 1 year

AI training data: If properly anonymized, can keep longer. If contains PII, same as conversation logs.

Failed login attempts: 90 days

How to implement:

Database field: created_at, delete_after
Automated cleanup job runs weekly
Deletes data past retention period
Logs deletions for audit purposes

Cost to implement: S$1,000-S$2,000 (automated deletion system + logging)

6. Accuracy

What it means: Take reasonable steps to ensure data is accurate.

For AI systems:

Let users update their information
Validate data at entry (email format, phone number format)
Prompt users to review periodically ("Is your contact info still current?")
Don't use outdated information for important decisions

AI-specific concern: If your AI makes decisions based on data (credit scoring, job application screening, etc.), inaccurate data leads to wrong decisions. That's a PDPA violation AND a business liability.

Cost to implement: S$500-S$1,500 (validation rules + update prompts)

7. Protection

What it means: Secure data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss.

For AI systems: Security requirements:

Encryption:

Data in transit: TLS 1.3
Data at rest: AES-256
Encrypted backups

Access control:

Role-based access (not everyone can see all data)
Audit logs (track who accessed what, when)
Two-factor authentication for admin access

Infrastructure:

Singapore-based servers (or approved countries)
Regular security updates
Penetration testing annually
Incident response plan

AI-specific: AI models trained on personal data must be secured. Can't have model training data leaking through model outputs.

Cost to implement: S$2,000-S$5,000 (security hardening + audit logging + testing)

8. Transfer limitation

What it means: Don't transfer data overseas without consent and protections.

For AI systems using cloud services:

OpenAI (ChatGPT): Servers in US. Technically data transfer. Acceptable if:

You disclose this to users
You have DPA (Data Processing Agreement) with OpenAI
You anonymize sensitive data before sending

Anthropic (Claude): Same situation as OpenAI

Local Singapore hosting: Preferred. No overseas transfer issues.

How to comply:

Disclosure: "Our AI uses OpenAI's services. Your messages may be
processed on servers in the United States. We've ensured they meet
Singapore's data protection standards. Sensitive information like
NRIC numbers are automatically redacted before processing."

Cost to implement: S$500-S$1,000 (data residency documentation + DPAs)

9. Accountability

What it means: You're responsible for PDPA compliance. Can't blame your vendors.

For AI systems:

Document your compliance measures
Train staff on PDPA requirements
Appoint Data Protection Officer (DPO) if processing significant personal data
Regular compliance audits
Maintain incident response procedures

What you need:

PDPA compliance documentation
Staff training records
Vendor agreements (with data processing clauses)
Audit logs
Incident response plan

Cost to implement: S$1,500-S$3,000 (documentation + training + DPO time)

Real cost of PDPA compliance for AI projects

Small AI chatbot (S$12,000-S$18,000 total)

Base chatbot: S$10,000 PDPA compliance add-on: S$2,000-S$3,000

What compliance includes:

Consent flow
Privacy notifications
Data access feature (users view their data)
Automated data deletion after 2 years
Basic audit logging

% of project cost: 17-20%

Medium AI automation (S$25,000-S$35,000 total)

Base automation: S$20,000 PDPA compliance add-on: S$5,000-S$7,000

What compliance includes:

Everything in small tier
Purpose tracking (different data uses)
User correction features
Advanced access controls
Anonymization for AI training data
Data portability (export in CSV/PDF)
Incident response procedures

% of project cost: 20-25%

Enterprise AI system (S$60,000-S$100,000 total)

Base system: S$50,000 PDPA compliance add-on: S$10,000-S$15,000

What compliance includes:

Everything in medium tier
Full audit trails (comprehensive logging)
Bias testing for AI decisions
Human review workflows for disputed decisions
Penetration testing
DPO consultation and training
Compliance documentation package
Quarterly compliance audits

% of project cost: 15-20%

Why percentage decreases: Fixed costs (privacy policy, consent flows) are amortized across larger project.

Penalties for non-compliance in 2026

Recent Singapore PDPA cases (2025-2026)

Case 1: E-commerce company

Violation: Chatbot collected customer data without consent
Impact: 8,000 customers affected
Penalty: S$180,000 fine
Additional costs: S$35,000 to rebuild chatbot with compliance + S$50,000 in legal fees

Case 2: Healthcare AI startup

Violation: Used patient data for AI training without consent
Impact: 2,400 patients' data used without knowledge
Penalty: S$650,000 fine + S$200,000 compensation to affected patients
Additional costs: Business nearly shut down. Had to completely rebuild AI system.

Case 3: Property management company

Violation: Kept tenant data for 7 years after lease ended (no defined retention period)
Impact: 12,000 ex-tenants' data retained unnecessarily
Penalty: S$120,000 fine
Additional costs: S$25,000 to implement automated deletion system + S$40,000 in audit costs

Penalty calculation factors

PDPC considers:

Scale: How many people affected?
Sensitivity: Financial data? Health data? More sensitive = higher penalty
Intent: Deliberate violation or negligent? Deliberate is worse
Response: Did you report immediately or hide it? Quick response reduces penalty
Prevention: Do you have compliance measures in place, they just failed? Or did you ignore PDPA entirely?

2026 reality: Expect S$50,000-S$1,000,000 penalties depending on severity. SMEs typically see S$50,000-S$200,000 for serious violations.

Practical implementation checklist

Before you start building

✅ Define what personal data you'll collect ✅ Document why you need each piece of data ✅ Define retention periods for each data type ✅ Choose AI providers with proper DPAs (Data Processing Agreements) ✅ Budget S$3,000-S$15,000 for compliance (15-20% of project cost)

During development

✅ Build consent flow first (before collecting any data) ✅ Implement purpose tracking in database ✅ Build data access feature (let users view their data) ✅ Implement automated deletion (retention period enforcement) ✅ Add audit logging (track all data access) ✅ Encrypt data (at rest and in transit) ✅ Implement role-based access control ✅ Build data export feature (CSV/PDF for portability)

Before launch

✅ Write clear privacy policy ✅ Create in-app privacy notifications ✅ Test consent flows thoroughly ✅ Test data access and deletion features ✅ Conduct security review ✅ Train staff on PDPA requirements ✅ Document compliance measures ✅ Create incident response plan

After launch

✅ Monitor audit logs weekly ✅ Review access patterns for anomalies ✅ Respond to access/deletion requests within 30 days ✅ Update privacy policy when features change ✅ Conduct annual compliance audit ✅ Test incident response plan annually ✅ Keep staff training current

AI-specific PDPA challenges

Challenge 1: AI training data

You want to train AI on customer conversations to improve it. But those conversations contain personal data.

Solution:

Get explicit consent: "We'd like to use anonymized conversations to train our AI. Okay?"
Anonymize thoroughly: Remove names, emails, phone numbers, NRIC, account numbers
Test anonymization: Try to re-identify individuals. If you can, anonymization isn't good enough
Limit retention: Even anonymized training data shouldn't be kept forever

Cost: S$1,500-S$3,000 for robust anonymization

Challenge 2: Automated decisions

Your AI automatically approves/rejects loan applications, job candidates, or service requests based on data.

PDPA requirement: Individuals have right to:

Know automated decision was made
Understand why (explainability)
Request human review
Challenge the decision

Solution:

Your application was reviewed by our AI system.

Result: Not approved at this time

Reason: Income to debt ratio doesn't meet our criteria

You have the right to:
[Request human review] [Appeal this decision] [View full explanation]

Cost: S$2,000-S$4,000 for explainability features + human review workflow

Challenge 3: Third-party AI services (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.)

You're using ChatGPT API or Claude API. Customer data is sent to their servers (usually in US).

PDPA concerns:

Data transferred overseas
Third-party processes personal data
You're still accountable for compliance

Solution:

Sign DPA (Data Processing Agreement) with AI provider
Disclose to users: "Our AI uses OpenAI. Messages may be processed in the US."
Anonymize sensitive data before sending (strip NRIC, financial details, etc.)
Use AI providers with strong security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
Check AI provider's data retention policy (OpenAI keeps API data for 30 days, then deletes)

Cost: S$500-S$1,000 for legal review + documentation

Challenge 4: Bias and fairness

Your AI makes decisions that might be discriminatory (even unintentionally).

PDPA connection: Using data in ways that disadvantage certain groups can violate PDPA's "fair and reasonable" principle.

Example: AI trained mostly on data from Chinese Singaporeans might perform poorly for other ethnic groups.

Solution:

Test AI with diverse data sets
Monitor outcomes across demographics
Adjust AI if bias is detected
Document bias testing efforts
Provide human review option

Cost: S$2,000-S$5,000 for bias testing + monitoring

Industry-specific PDPA requirements

Healthcare AI

Extra requirements:

Medical data is highly sensitive (higher penalties for breaches)
Explicit consent required (implied consent not acceptable)
Longer retention may be required (but justify it)
Access logs must be detailed (who viewed what patient data, when)

Cost impact: +30-40% on compliance costs

Financial services AI

Extra requirements:

MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) regulations apply
AI decisions must be auditable
Model risk management required
Longer data retention (usually 5-7 years)

Cost impact: +40-50% on compliance costs

HR/Recruitment AI

Extra requirements:

Must not discriminate based on protected characteristics
Bias testing mandatory
Explainability required (candidate must understand why rejected)
Data minimization critical (don't collect unnecessary personal info)

Cost impact: +25-35% on compliance costs

General business AI

Standard requirements: Everything covered in the 9 requirements above

Cost impact: Base compliance cost (15-20% of project)

How to choose PDPA-compliant AI providers

Questions to ask before signing up

1. Where is data processed and stored?

Singapore is ideal
US/EU acceptable with proper safeguards
Other countries require extra due diligence

2. Will you sign a Data Processing Agreement (DPA)?

Reputable providers will have standard DPA
DPA specifies their obligations and your rights
Must include security requirements and breach notification

3. How long do you retain data?

OpenAI: 30 days, then deleted
Some providers: Until you delete your account
Ideal: As short as possible

4. Can I delete data on demand?

Must be able to delete specific user data
Ideally through API, not manual request
Deletion should be permanent, not just marked as deleted

5. Do you have security certifications?

SOC 2 Type II (security controls)
ISO 27001 (information security)
ISO 27018 (privacy in cloud)

6. What happens in a breach?

How quickly will they notify you?
What support do they provide?
Do they have liability coverage?

Red flags

🚩 No clear data location disclosure 🚩 Won't sign DPA 🚩 Vague privacy policy 🚩 No security certifications 🚩 Keep data indefinitely 🚩 Can't delete data on demand 🚩 Claim they own data you send them

Acceptable AI providers for Singapore (2026)

OpenAI (ChatGPT API):

✅ Clear data policies (30-day retention)
✅ Signs DPA
✅ SOC 2 Type II certified
⚠️ US-based (requires disclosure)

Anthropic (Claude API):

✅ Clear data policies (not used for training)
✅ Signs DPA
✅ SOC 2 Type II certified
⚠️ US-based (requires disclosure)

Google Cloud AI:

✅ Comprehensive DPA
✅ Many certifications
✅ Singapore region available
✅ PDPA-friendly terms

Azure OpenAI:

✅ Microsoft's enterprise DPA
✅ Many certifications
✅ Southeast Asia region
✅ Customer data not used for training

Local Singapore AI providers:

✅ Data stays in Singapore
✅ Easier compliance
⚠️ Verify their security practices

Common PDPA mistakes with AI

Mistake 1: "We'll add compliance later"

Built entire AI system, then tried to add PDPA compliance. Didn't work. Had to rebuild major parts.

Cost: Rebuilding cost 60% of original project cost (S$18,000 on top of S$30,000 original)

Fix: Build compliance in from day one. It's cheaper and easier.

Mistake 2: Copy-paste privacy policy

Used a template privacy policy that didn't actually match what the AI does.

Problem: PDPC audit found policy didn't reflect reality. That's a violation.

Penalty: S$45,000 fine

Fix: Write privacy policy that accurately describes your AI system. Review it with a lawyer familiar with PDPA.

"By using this app you agree to our 40-page terms and conditions which mention data collection somewhere around page 23."

Problem: That's not explicit consent. PDPC rejected it.

Fix: Clear, upfront consent before collecting data. Short, specific language.

Mistake 4: No data deletion

Built AI chatbot but no way for users to delete their data. When requested, had to manually edit database.

Problem: Takes way too long to fulfill deletion requests. Violates 30-day requirement.

Penalty: S$35,000 fine + had to build deletion feature anyway

Fix: Build data deletion feature from the start. Should be automated, not manual.

Mistake 5: Using data for undisclosed purposes

Collected data for customer support, then used it for marketing without new consent.

Problem: Purpose violation. Clear PDPA breach.

Penalty: S$85,000 fine + loss of customer trust

Fix: Only use data for stated purposes. Need new purpose? Get new consent.

Mistake 6: No security measures

AI system had weak passwords, no encryption, no access logs.

Problem: Data breach (chatbot conversations leaked). No audit trail to prove who was affected.

Penalty: S$250,000 fine + S$150,000 in breach remediation costs + lost customers

Fix: Implement proper security from day one. It's cheaper than dealing with breaches.

Getting started with PDPA-compliant AI

Step 1: Data inventory (Week 1)

List all personal data your AI will:

Collect (name, email, phone, conversation history, etc.)
Process (analysis, decision-making, etc.)
Store (database, backups, logs)
Share (third-party AI services, partners)

Step 2: Purpose definition (Week 1)

For each piece of data, document:

Why you need it
How you'll use it
How long you'll keep it
Who will have access

Step 3: Legal review (Week 2)

Have a PDPA-knowledgeable lawyer review:

Your data inventory
Your purposes
Your draft privacy policy
Your consent flows

Cost: S$2,000-S$4,000 for legal review

Worth it: Yes. Much cheaper than PDPC penalties.

Step 4: Technical implementation (Weeks 3-10)

Build compliance features:

Consent flows
Privacy notifications
Data access features
Automated deletion
Audit logging
Security measures

Step 5: Staff training (Week 11)

Train everyone who touches the AI system:

Developers
Support staff
Managers
Anyone with data access

Topics to cover:

PDPA basics
Your specific compliance measures
How to handle access requests
What to do in a breach
Who to contact with questions

Step 6: Documentation (Week 12)

Create:

Privacy policy
Consent scripts
Data handling procedures
Incident response plan
Compliance checklist

Step 7: Audit and launch (Week 13)

Before launch:

Test all compliance features
Review documentation
Conduct security scan
Get final legal sign-off

Step 8: Ongoing monitoring (Forever)

After launch:

Weekly audit log review
Monthly compliance check
Annual full audit
Update when features change

Do you need a Data Protection Officer (DPO)?

When DPO is required

You need a DPO if you:

Process personal data on large scale (10,000+ individuals)
Process sensitive data (health, financial, children's data)
Make significant automated decisions using AI
Are in healthcare, finance, or other regulated industries

What DPO does

Oversees PDPA compliance
Advises on data protection impact assessments
Point of contact with PDPC
Monitors data breaches and responses
Trains staff on PDPA
Conducts compliance audits

DPO options for Singapore SMEs

Option 1: Full-time internal DPO

Cost: S$60,000-S$100,000/year salary
Best for: Large companies processing lots of data

Option 2: Part-time/outsourced DPO

Cost: S$1,500-S$4,000/month
Best for: Most SMEs

Option 3: Designated staff member (not full-time DPO role)

Cost: Included in their normal salary
Best for: Small businesses with simple data processing

Do you actually need one? If your AI processes data for fewer than 10,000 people and doesn't handle sensitive data, you probably don't need a formal DPO. But you still need someone responsible for compliance.

Resources for PDPA compliance

Official resources

PDPC website: https://www.pdpc.gov.sg

Official guidance
Advisory guidelines
Past enforcement cases

Guide to AI Governance (PDPC): Specific guidance for AI systems

IMDA AI Verify: Framework for testing AI governance

Implementation help

Legal firms with PDPA expertise:

Most Singapore law firms have PDPA practices
Budget S$2,000-S$6,000 for consultation and review

PDPA consultants:

Help implement compliance
Budget S$5,000-S$15,000 for full implementation support

Development agencies (like us):

Build compliance features into AI systems
Cost included in project estimates

Ready to build PDPA-compliant AI for your Singapore business? Let's talk. We'll help you understand requirements, budget for compliance, and build it properly from day one.

Frequently asked questions

What are the PDPA requirements for AI systems in Singapore in 2026?

PDPA-compliant AI must have: explicit user consent before data collection (no pre-checked boxes), clear purpose specification (what data, why, how long), data minimization (collect only what's needed), retention limits with auto-deletion, user access and deletion rights within 30 days, audit trails tracking data access, encryption (TLS 1.3 in transit, AES-256 at rest), incident response procedures, and breach notification within 3 days. Adding compliance costs S$3,000-S$15,000 (15-25% of project budget) depending on complexity.

Build PDPA compliance from day one, not after.

How much do PDPA penalties cost in Singapore in 2026?

PDPA penalties increased significantly in 2025-2026, now ranging from S$50,000-S$1,000,000 depending on severity. Recent cases: e-commerce chatbot without consent (S$180,000), healthcare AI using patient data without consent (S$650,000 + S$200,000 compensation), property company retaining data too long (S$120,000). SMEs typically face S$50,000-S$200,000 for serious violations. Additional costs include legal fees (S$30,000-S$50,000) and system rebuilding (S$25,000-S$35,000). Late breach notification adds S$50,000-S$250,000 on top.

Non-compliance costs far more than building it properly.

How much does it cost to make AI systems PDPA-compliant in Singapore?

PDPA compliance adds S$2,000-S$3,000 for small chatbots (15-20% of S$12,000 project), S$5,000-S$7,000 for medium automation (20-25% of S$25,000 project), and S$10,000-S$15,000 for enterprise systems (15-20% of S$60,000+ project). Includes consent flows, privacy notifications, data access/deletion features, audit logging, automated retention enforcement, and security hardening. Healthcare AI costs +30-40% more, financial services +40-50%, HR/recruitment +25-35%. Legal review adds S$2,000-S$4,000.

Budget 15-25% of AI project cost for PDPA compliance.

AI chatbots must get explicit consent before collecting data with clear disclosure: what data (name, email, conversation history), why (customer support, service improvement), how long (typically 1-2 years), and user rights (request deletion anytime). No pre-checked boxes or buried terms. Must explain if using third-party AI services (OpenAI, Claude) that process data overseas. Different purposes need separate consent (support vs marketing vs AI training). "By using this service you agree to our privacy policy" buried in fine print is non-compliant.

Show clear consent request before first interaction.

Can I use OpenAI or Claude for Singapore business without violating PDPA?

Yes, if you: sign Data Processing Agreement (DPA) with AI provider, disclose to users that data may be processed overseas (US servers), anonymize sensitive data before sending (strip NRIC, financial details, account numbers), check provider's data retention policy (OpenAI keeps API data 30 days then deletes, Anthropic doesn't use data for training), and verify security certifications (SOC 2, ISO 27001). Local Singapore hosting is preferred but US-based AI providers are acceptable with proper safeguards and disclosure.

Disclosure and DPA make international AI services PDPA-compliant.

What happens if my AI system has a data breach?

You must: notify PDPC within 3 days of discovering breach, notify affected individuals within 3 days, provide detailed incident report to PDPC within 30 days, and document breach response in audit logs. Late notification adds S$50,000-S$250,000 penalty on top of base violation penalties. You need incident response plan prepared before breaches happen, security measures (encryption, access controls, monitoring) to prevent breaches, and comprehensive audit logs to identify who was affected.

Prepare incident response plan now, not after breach happens.

Do Singapore AI systems need to allow users to delete their data?

Yes, users have the right to request deletion of their personal data within 30 days. AI systems must have automated data deletion features (not manual database editing), including conversation history, personal profile information, AI-generated insights, and usage data. Exceptions: you can keep data if legally required (e.g., financial records must be kept 5-7 years) or if needed for ongoing contract. But you must explain why you're keeping it. Manual deletion processes that take weeks are non-compliant.

Build automated deletion feature from day one.

What are common PDPA mistakes with AI systems in Singapore?

Common mistakes: building AI first then adding compliance later (costs 60% more to retrofit), copy-paste privacy policy that doesn't match what AI actually does (S$45,000 fine), consent buried in 40-page terms instead of explicit upfront (non-compliant), no automated data deletion feature (S$35,000 fine + late request fulfillment), using data for undisclosed purposes like marketing (S$85,000 fine), and weak security measures leading to breaches (S$250,000 fine + remediation costs). Also common: not signing DPAs with AI providers and forgetting audit logging.

Build compliance from day one, review with PDPA lawyer.

About &7: We build PDPA-compliant AI systems for Singapore businesses. Compliance is built in from day one, not bolted on later. We'll handle the technical requirements while you focus on your business.