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Costa Rica Protection of Personal Data Law (Law 8968)

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
Up to $15,000
Scope
National
Regulator
PRODHAB
Enacted
2011

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Overview

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

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

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

Severe Violations
Up to $15,000
For serious breaches of data protection requirements
Processing Violations
Up to $10,000
For unauthorized processing of personal data
Documentation Violations
Up to $5,000
For failure to maintain required documentation

Example Cases

Financial Institution
$12,000
2023 - Unauthorized data sharing with third parties
Technology Company
$8,000
2022 - Insufficient security measures leading to data breach

Individual Rights

Data subjects can seek remedies through PRODHAB and courts.

Penalty Categories

Individual Claims
Case-specific
Compensation for damages through civil courts
Corrective Orders
Mandatory Changes
Orders to modify data processing practices
Suspension Orders
Processing Halt
Temporary suspension of processing activities

Example Cases

Consumer Rights Case
$7,000
2023 - Failure to honor data subject rights
Data Misuse Case
$6,000
2022 - Unauthorized use of personal data