Costa Rica Protection of Personal Data Law (Law 8968)
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Law 8968 establishes the framework for protecting personal data in Costa Rica, enforced by the Agency for the Protection of Personal Data (PRODHAB).
Key Facts
- Enacted in 2011
- Enforced by PRODHAB
- Requires registration of databases
Key Principles
Informed Consent
Personal data processing requires informed, express consent from the data subject.
Requirements
- Obtain explicit consent
- Provide clear information
- Document consent
- Enable withdrawal
- Regular reviews
Examples
- Consent forms
- Privacy notices
- Withdrawal procedures
- Consent records
Data Quality
Personal data must be accurate, complete, and kept up to date.
Requirements
- Verify data accuracy
- Regular updates
- Correction procedures
- Quality controls
- Documentation
Examples
- Verification processes
- Update procedures
- Correction mechanisms
- Quality checks
Security Principle
Organizations must implement appropriate security measures to protect personal data.
Requirements
- Risk assessments
- Security controls
- Staff training
- Incident response
- Regular audits
Examples
- Security policies
- Training programs
- Incident procedures
- Audit reports
Compliance Requirements
Database Registration
Organizations must register databases containing personal data with PRODHAB.
Implementation Steps
- Identify databases containing personal data
- Complete registration forms
- Submit to PRODHAB
- Update registration when changes occur
- Maintain registration records
Required Documentation
- Database inventory
- Registration certificates
- Update history
- Processing records
- 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
Security Requirements
Implementation of appropriate technical and organizational security measures.
Implementation Steps
- Conduct risk assessments
- Implement security controls
- Train staff on security
- Regular security audits
- Incident response planning
Required Documentation
- Security policies
- Risk assessments
- Training records
- Audit reports
- Response plans
Enforcement & Penalties
Administrative Sanctions
The Agency for the Protection of Personal Data (PRODHAB) can impose administrative sanctions for violations.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Individual Rights
Data subjects can seek remedies through PRODHAB and courts.