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Panama Law 81

Law 81 of 2019 on the Protection of Personal Data

Panama's comprehensive data protection law establishing ARCO rights plus portability and requiring breach notification to ANTAI.

Jurisdiction

Panama

Enacted

Mar 26, 2019

Effective

Mar 29, 2021

Enforcement

Autoridad Nacional de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información (ANTAI)

ANTAI (Panama Transparency Authority)

Why It Matters

Panama's ARCO+ rights create standard Latin American compliance framework for AI chatbot data handling.

At a Glance

Applies to

AI CompanionMental Health AppGeneral Chatbot

Who Must Comply

  • Data controllers and processors in Panama
  • Entities processing data of Panamanian residents
  • Cross-border data transfers

Safety Provisions

  • ARCO rights (Access, Rectification, Cancellation, Opposition) plus portability
  • Breach notification to ANTAI required
  • Data Protection Officer for certain controllers
  • Security measures for personal data
  • Cross-border transfer restrictions

Compliance & Enforcement

Penalties

Fines for violations

View on map

Panama

Focus Areas

General regulation

Cite This

APA

Panama. (2019). Law 81 of 2019 on the Protection of Personal Data.

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Last updated January 22, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.