Now that the Personal Data Protection Law has come into effect in Panama, it's essential to clarify the key aspects your website should manage to meet its requirements. In Panama, as in the rest of Latin American countries, there had not been a strong emphasis on legislating such an important aspect for digital media users as safeguarding their privacy through proper data handling.

To achieve this, any website or data hosting service within Panama that is not exempt by law must comply with certain minimum requirements outlined below.

1.  Personal Data Privacy Policy

This is a document that should be easily accessible on the website, presenting users or customers with the data collected in that digital medium, how it's obtained and stored, as well as the treatment given to it.

The document must clearly and understandably explain to users how their security is guaranteed on this website. To achieve this, it should accurately describe the following aspects:

Information about the responsible party for data management, including the company or organization's name, as well as that of the person or representative.

• Purpose of data collection, explaining why you need this user information.
• If third parties will use the data, you must precisely indicate who they are.
• Location where this data will be managed, whether within Panamanian territory or processed elsewhere.
• Duration for which the data will be retained.
• How users can access, rectify, and withdraw their authorization for data usage.

2.  Cookies Policy

Cookies allow tracking user behavior by being installed on their devices. The Cookies Policy is also a document that clearly describes all aspects of this tracking.

This document should include:

• A brief explanation of what cookies are and their purpose.
• Details about the types of cookies installed on the user's computer upon accessing the website and how long they last.
• Precise information about who performs this installation, whether the site owner or a third party.
• A guide explaining how users can reject cookies based on their browser.

3.  Right to Rectification and Erasure

In addition to informing users about data handling and tracking, it's necessary to incorporate tools that allow them to accept or revoke these permissions. You must also include a mechanism that makes it easy for them to modify or delete their data when needed.

If the site also manages newsletters or conducts email marketing, a field must be added to the data capture form indicating the user's acceptance of receiving these emails.

Lastly, each email must include a section reminding the user they've agreed to receive these emails and an option to unsubscribe whenever they see fit.

Conclusion

Privacy is one of the most debated topics nowadays, as many individuals, companies, and governments use data for clear and sometimes unclear purposes. Panama has taken a step forward by passing the Personal Data Protection Law, but adjustments are necessary on websites to fulfill its objectives.

To do so, it's crucial to address three key aspects:

• Privacy Policy.
• Cookies Policy.
• Right to Rectification and Erasure.

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