Panamanian Personal Data Protection Law (Law 81)
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Law 81 establishes comprehensive requirements for the protection of personal data in Panama, enforced by the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI).
Key Facts
- Enacted in 2021
- Enforced by ANTAI
- Includes strict data protection requirements
Key Principles
Lawfulness and Consent
Personal data must be processed lawfully and with proper authorization.
Requirements
- Obtain valid consent
- Identify legal basis
- Document processing grounds
- Regular compliance reviews
- Maintain consent records
Examples
- Consent mechanisms
- Legal basis documentation
- Processing records
- Compliance reports
Transparency
Organizations must be transparent about their data processing activities.
Requirements
- Clear privacy notices
- Processing purpose disclosure
- Data sharing information
- Rights notification
- Regular updates
Examples
- Privacy policies
- Data processing notices
- Rights information
- Communication records
Data Security
Implementation of appropriate security measures to protect personal data.
Requirements
- Security risk assessments
- Technical safeguards
- Staff training
- Incident response
- Regular audits
Examples
- Security protocols
- Training programs
- Incident plans
- Audit reports
Compliance Requirements
Registration Requirements
Organizations must register their data processing activities with the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information.
Implementation Steps
- Submit registration application
- Document processing activities
- Pay registration fees
- Maintain registration status
- Update when changes occur
Required Documentation
- Registration certificates
- Processing records
- Payment receipts
- Status updates
- Change notifications
Consent Management
Requirements for obtaining and managing valid consent for data processing.
Implementation Steps
- Implement consent mechanisms
- Document consent collection
- Enable withdrawal options
- Regular consent reviews
- Update consent records
Required Documentation
- Consent forms
- Collection records
- Withdrawal procedures
- Review logs
- Update history
International Transfer Requirements
Requirements for transferring personal data outside Panama.
Implementation Steps
- Assess recipient country adequacy
- Implement transfer safeguards
- Obtain necessary approvals
- Document transfers
- Monitor compliance
Required Documentation
- Transfer assessments
- Safeguard documentation
- Approval records
- Transfer logs
- Monitoring reports
Enforcement & Penalties
Administrative Penalties
The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information can impose administrative penalties for violations.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Additional Measures
The Authority can impose various corrective measures beyond monetary penalties.