In today's digital age, protecting personal information is more crucial than ever. In Panama, data privacy laws are designed to safeguard the rights of individuals and ensure that companies handle personal information responsibly. At JVD Consultants, we understand the importance of data privacy and are here to help you navigate Panama's legal landscape in this critical aspect.
**Understanding Data Privacy in Panama**
Panamanian legislation on the protection of personal data has been strengthened in recent years, aligning with international standards to ensure the security and privacy of personal data.
Key Laws
- Law No. 81 of March 26, 2019:** This is the main law regulating the protection of personal data in Panama. It establishes the principles, rights, obligations, and procedures that govern the protection of personal data.
Basic Principles
- Consent: The collection and processing of personal data require the explicit consent of the individual.
- Purpose: Data must be collected for specific, explicit, and legitimate purposes.
- Transparency: There must be transparency in how personal data is collected, used, and protected.
Data Subject Rights
Individuals have several rights regarding their personal data, including:
- Right of Access: Individuals can request information about how their personal data is used.
- Right to Rectification: It is possible to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Right to Erasure: Individuals can ask for their personal data to be deleted under certain circumstances.
Obligations for Companies
Companies handling personal data must:
- Implement Security Measures: Adopt technical and organizational measures to protect personal data.
- Report Data Breaches: Notify the authorities and those affected in the event of a data breach.
- Appoint a Data Protection Officer: Some companies need to designate an officer specialized in data protection.
Consequences of Non-compliance
Non-compliance with data protection laws can result in significant penalties, including fines and, in severe cases, criminal actions.