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Colombian Personal Data Protection Law (Law 1581)

View Law Text
Maximum Fine
2000 minimum wages
Scope
National
Regulator
SIC
Enacted
2012

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Overview

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

Severe Violations
Up to 2000 legal minimum wages
For serious breaches of data protection requirements
Suspension
Up to 6 months
Temporary suspension of activities related to data processing
Closure
Permanent
Permanent closure of operations involving personal data

Example Cases

Major Retailer
1500 minimum wages
2023 - Unauthorized data sharing and insufficient security measures
Financial Institution
1000 minimum wages
2022 - Failure to implement adequate data protection measures

Individual Rights

Data subjects can seek remedies through courts and the SIC.

Penalty Categories

Individual Claims
Case-specific
Compensation for damages through civil courts
Collective Actions
Varies
Class actions for widespread violations
Corrective Orders
Mandatory Changes
Orders to modify data processing practices

Example Cases

Consumer Class Action
800 minimum wages
2023 - Unauthorized use of personal data for marketing
Privacy Rights Violation
500 minimum wages
2022 - Failure to honor data subject rights requests