Costa Rican Legal Trends: Personal Data Protection

Costa Rican legislation has been evolving due to new digital realities. With the growth of e-commerce, social networks and the digitization of services, privacy and information security have become fundamental issues.

Data Protection Regulation in Costa Rica

In Costa Rica, the Law regarding Personal Data (Law No. 8968) and its regulations establish the personal data provisions.

Some key aspects of this legislation are:

•  Informed consent: anyone collecting personal data must obtain the explicit consent of the bearer.

• Right to access and rectification: people have the right to know what information about them is being stored and to request correction or deletion if necessary.

• Information security: Companies and organizations that handle personal data must implement security measures to prevent leaks or unauthorized access.

• Penalties for non-compliance: Penalties are established for those who misuse personal data or violate the privacy.

Impact on Businesses and Users

Personal data protection has implications for both individuals and businesses. Some of the most relevant impacts include:

• Greater consumer confidence: Companies that comply with data protection standards generate greater confidence among their customers.

• Obligations for digital businesses: Online stores, banks and any company that handles databases must ensure compliance with the regulation to avoid penalties.

• Technological adaptation: It requires the implementation of computer security systems and clear policies on the management of information.

Challenges and Future of Data Protection in Costa Rica

Despite the progress made, there are still important challenges in terms of data protection in the country:

- Lack of awareness: Many citizens are still unaware of their rights regarding the privacy of their information.

- Technological evolution: The emergence of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, raises the need to constantly update legislation.

- Effective enforcement: It is essential to strengthen oversight and enforcement of sanctions to prevent abuses in the use of personal data.

Conclusion

Personal data protection is a key trend in Costa Rican legislation that will continue to evolve in the coming years. With the increase of digitalization, it is crucial that both citizens and companies know and comply with current regulations to ensure the privacy and security of information.

If you need advice on how to comply with data protection regulations in Costa Rica, contact us for specialized legal guidance!