Colombian Personal Data Protection Law (Law 1581)
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Law 1581 of 2012 establishes the general provisions for personal data protection in Colombia, enforced by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC).
Key Facts
- Enacted in 2012
- Enforced by Superintendence of Industry and Commerce
- Requires registration of databases
Key Principles
Principle of Legality
Personal data processing must be carried out in accordance with legal provisions.
Requirements
- Identify legal basis
- Document compliance
- Regular legal reviews
- Update procedures
- Staff training
Examples
- Legal basis documentation
- Compliance records
- Training materials
- Review logs
Purpose Principle
Data processing must be for a legitimate, specific purpose that is communicated to the data subject.
Requirements
- Define clear purposes
- Document purposes
- Inform data subjects
- Limit processing scope
- Regular reviews
Examples
- Purpose statements
- Privacy notices
- Processing records
- Review documentation
Freedom Principle
Processing of personal data requires prior, express consent from the data subject.
Requirements
- Obtain explicit consent
- Document consent
- Enable withdrawal
- Maintain records
- Regular updates
Examples
- Consent forms
- Withdrawal procedures
- Consent records
- Documentation logs
Compliance Requirements
Database Registration
Organizations must register their databases containing personal data with the SIC.
Implementation Steps
- Identify databases containing personal data
- Complete registration forms
- Submit to SIC
- Update registration annually
- Maintain registration records
Required Documentation
- Database inventory
- Registration certificates
- Annual updates
- Processing records
- Change notifications
Privacy Policies
Development and implementation of comprehensive privacy policies.
Implementation Steps
- Create privacy policies
- Implement procedures
- Train staff
- Regular reviews
- Document updates
Required Documentation
- Privacy policy documents
- Training materials
- Review records
- Update history
- Staff acknowledgments
International Data Transfers
Requirements for transferring personal data outside Colombia.
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 Sanctions
The Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) can impose significant administrative sanctions for violations.
Penalty Categories
Example Cases
Individual Rights
Data subjects can seek remedies through courts and the SIC.