Artificial Intelligence law at Panama
As of May 2025, Panama has not enacted specific legislation directly regulating artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country has established a robust data protection framework that indirectly addresses AI-related concerns, particularly regarding data privacy and automated decision-making.
Panama's Data Protection Law: Law No. 81 of 2019
Panama's primary legislation concerning data protection is Law No. 81 of 2019, known as the Panama Personal Data Protection Law (PPDPL), which came into effect on March 29, 2021. This law establishes principles, rights, obligations, and procedures for protecting the personal data of individuals in Panama. It is enforced by the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) .(Securiti)
Key provisions of the PPDPL relevant to AI include:
Prior Consent: Organizations must obtain explicit consent from individuals before collecting or processing their personal data, except in legally exempt scenarios such as judicial investigations .(Limitless Legal)
Automated Decision-Making: The law grants individuals the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing of their personal data that produce legal effects or significantly affect them. However, exceptions exist if the decision is necessary for entering into or performing a contract, authorized by law, or based on explicit consent .(Securiti)
Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Organizations may be required to conduct DPIAs for data processing activities that pose high risks to individuals' rights and freedoms, especially when introducing new technologies like AI .(Securiti)
International Data Transfers: The law allows for the transfer of personal data to other countries, provided that the receiving country ensures an adequate level of data protection .(Limitless Legal)
Regulatory Authority: ANTAI
The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) is the public administration body responsible for supervising, implementing, and controlling compliance with the PPDPL and its regulations. ANTAI has the authority to investigate violations, impose penalties, and issue guidelines to ensure the protection of personal data .(Securiti)
AI-Specific Legislation: Currently Unavailable
As of the latest available information, Panama does not have specific legislation or regulations addressing the development, deployment, or use of artificial intelligence technologies. The country relies on existing laws, such as the PPDPL, to indirectly regulate aspects of AI that involve personal data processing. The absence of dedicated AI legislation means that there is no designated agency overseeing AI-specific issues, and the legal framework may not fully address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies .(Lex Mundi)
Conclusion
While Panama has established a comprehensive data protection law that addresses certain aspects of AI, such as automated decision-making and data privacy, the country has not yet implemented specific legislation governing artificial intelligence. The existing legal framework provides a foundation for regulating AI-related activities that involve personal data; however, there is a need for dedicated AI legislation to comprehensively address the ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI technologies.
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