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Global Privacy Laws Research Library
Every indexed global privacy and data-protection instrument, described by what it covers, why it matters, when to refer to it, which provisions are relevant, how it applies and whether it is currently in force. This library helps you locate the right primary or official source. It does not interpret the law for you.
91 documents indexed · 61 jurisdictions · 70 current instruments
91 with verified research previews · 34 with an official source link · 0 voluntary or strategy documents · 1 proposed or draft
Find the right privacy law
Describe a factual situation, paste a passage, or name a provision, a law, a jurisdiction or a concept. This locates which indexed instrument addresses it and shows the passages of the indexed source it relied on. It does not give legal advice or conclusions.
How to search
Paste a 50–100 word fact pattern, or name a law, provision, country or concept. Every word is analysed.
Jurisdiction first
Naming a country or region ranks that jurisdiction's instruments ahead of all others.
Disclaimer
This tool locates sources and shows the passages it relied on. It is not legal advice and gives no conclusions.
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Foundational instruments most privacy research questions come back to.
- California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: CCPA
- California Privacy Rights Act of 2020: CPRA
- Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais: LGPD: Brazil
- Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China: PIPL
- UK GDPR + Data Protection Act 2018: United Kingdom
- Act on the Protection of Personal Information: Japan (APPI)
- Personal Data Protection Act 2012: Singapore
- Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013: POPIA: South Africa
Showing 91 of 91 matching documents (91 indexed)
Act on the Protection of Personal Information: Japan (APPI)
Act on the Protection of Personal Information
Current and operative
What it covers
The APPI is Japan's principal comprehensive personal-information law. It regulates the handling of personal information by business operators and establishes rules covering purpose specification, use, acquisition, security, third-party provision, overseas transfers, rights of individuals and enforcement.
The current framework also contains Japan-specific rules for information that has been anonymised, pseudonymised, or otherwise handled differently from ordinary personal data.
Applicability
Applies principally to entities handling personal information under the APPI framework, subject to statutory exclusions and sector-specific rules.
Current validity
CURRENT
Read first
Articles 15–17 → Articles 19–23 → Articles 25–28 → PPC security and international-transfer guidelines.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Profiling
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Employment data
- Enforcement and penalties
- Anonymisation
- Accountability
California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: CCPA
California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018
Current. The CPPA identifies the current CCPA and regulations as effective January 1, 2026. (California Privacy Protection Agency)
What it covers
The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA) is a comprehensive privacy law that grants California consumers rights over their personal information and imposes obligations on businesses that collect, use, disclose, or sell personal data. The CCPA provides consumers with rights including access, deletion, correction, opt-out of sale or sharing of personal information, and protection against discrimination for exercising privacy rights. The law establishes transparency, notice, accountability, and data governance requirements for covered businesses and is enforced by the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) and the California Attorney General.
Applicability
Coverage is threshold-based and includes statutory exclusions.
Current validity
CURRENT: 2026 framework
Read first
§§1798.100, 105, 106, 110, 115, 120, 121, 140 → current CCPA Regulations → Risk Assessment rules → Cybersecurity Audit rules → ADMT rules.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Sensitive data
- Erasure and deletion
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Enforcement and penalties
- Transparency
- AI cybersecurity
- Accountability
California Privacy Rights Act of 2020: CPRA
Current through the CCPA as amended
What it covers
The CPRA strengthened California's consumer privacy framework by adding or expanding:
- consumer rights
- sensitive personal information controls
Why it matters
The CPRA created the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) and transferred major regulatory/enforcement responsibilities to that agency (California Privacy Protection Agency)
The modern California framework therefore has three layers:
CCPA 2018
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1798.100
- Section 1798.105
- Section 1798.106
- Section 1798.120
- Section 1798.121
- Section 1798.140
- Section 1798.185
Applicability
Coverage depends on the CCPA's statutory thresholds, definitions and exclusions.
The CPPA's current materials describe thresholds based, among other things, on:
- qualifying annual revenue
Current validity
CURRENT: CCPA AS AMENDED BY CPRA AND CURRENT CPPA REGULATIONS.
Read first
CCPA core rights → CPRA amendments → sensitive personal information → sale/sharing → ADMT → risk assessment → cybersecurity audit → CPPA enforcement.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Sensitive data
- Erasure and deletion
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- AI cybersecurity
- Accountability
C.R.S. §6-1-1301 et seq.
Colorado Privacy Act: CPA
Colorado Privacy Act
CURRENT
What it covers
The CPA creates a comprehensive consumer privacy framework covering:
- access
- correction
Why it matters
Colorado's law is particularly notable for three features:
1. universal opt-out mechanisms;
2. risk-based data-protection assessments;
Applicability
The CPA generally applies to controllers doing business in Colorado or targeting Colorado residents and satisfying statutory processing thresholds/exclusions.
The statute defines a consumer as a Colorado resident acting in an individual or household context. Employment data is generally outside this consumer definition. (Colorado Attorney General)
Current validity
CURRENT: supplemented by CPA Rules.
Read first
§6-1-1303 → §6-1-1304 → §6-1-1306 → §6-1-1308 → profiling → §6-1-1311 → §6-1-1313.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Employment data
Data Privacy Act of 2012: Philippines
Republic Act No. 10173: Data Privacy Act of 2012
CURRENT
What it covers
The Act regulates personal information processing by:
- government
- private-sector organisations
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 13: Sensitive personal information
- Section 20: Security
Applicability
Government and private-sector organisations within the statutory scope.
Current validity
CURRENT AND OPERATIVE.
The NPC continues to publish the Act and implementing framework as the principal Philippine privacy regime. (National Privacy Commission)
Read first
Sections 11–13 → Sections 16–17 → Section 20 → NPC IRR → automated decisionmaking guidance → breach/security guidance → penalties.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
Data Protection Act, 2019: Kenya
Data Protection Act No. 24 of 2019
CURRENT
What it covers
The Act regulates:
- processing
- controllers/processors
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 25: Processing principles
- Section 31: DPIA
- Section 43: Breach notification
Applicability
Public/private controllers and processors within the Act's territorial scope.
Current validity
CURRENT AND IN FORCE.
Read first
Section 25 → rights → controller/processor → Section 31 DPIA → security → Section 43 breach → transfer provisions → 2021 Regulations.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
Decree No. 13/2023/ND-CP on Personal Data Protection: Vietnam
Nghị định 13/2023/NĐ-CP
Historical / superseded from 1 January 2026
What it covers
Decree 13/2023 was Vietnam's dedicated personal-data decree and established detailed rules concerning:
- personal-data categories
- principles
Why it matters
It remains extremely important for historical and transition research because it was Vietnam's principal comprehensive personal-data instrument before the 2026 statutory framework.
But it should no longer be displayed as the current operative decree.
Refer to it when
- Studying Vietnam's pre-2026 privacy regime
- comparing Decree 13 with Decree 356
- researching historical compliance
Applicability
Historical applicability to organisations and individuals involved in personal-data processing within the decree's framework.
Current validity
SUPERSEDED FROM 1 JANUARY 2026.
Read first
Scope → data categories → consent → rights → processing responsibilities → DPIA → security → cross-border transfer → Article 43 → Decree 356 replacement history.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Impact assessment
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Retention
- Transparency
Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022
Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022: Bill C-27: Canada
An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act
Historical: not enacted
What it covers
Bill C-27 was a proposed federal Canadian digital-regulation package comprising three major components:
1. Consumer Privacy Protection Act
2. Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act
Why it matters
It is important because it represented a proposed transformation of Canada's federal privacy framework and an attempted introduction of federal AI legislation.
However:
It is not Canadian law.
Refer to it when
- Researching Canadian privacy-law reform
- studying the proposed replacement for PIPEDA
- researching AIDA
Applicability
No current statutory applicability.
Current validity
NOT ENACTED.
The relevant current Canadian privacy law should instead be researched separately, particularly PIPEDA and applicable provincial legislation.
Read first
Bill structure → proposed CPPA → proposed Tribunal → AIDA → high-impact AI → risk mitigation → monitoring → enforcement.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
- Transparency
- AI cybersecurity
- Accountability
ePrivacy Directive: Directive 2002/58/EC: European Union
Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the processing of personal data and protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector
In force
What it covers
The ePrivacy Directive is the EU's sector-specific privacy framework for electronic communications.
It regulates:
- confidentiality of communications
Why it matters
It is frequently misunderstood as a substitute for GDPR.
It is not.
The correct relationship is broadly:
Refer to it when
- Implementing cookies
- evaluating tracking technologies
- analysing terminal-equipment access
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 4: Security
- Article 5: Confidentiality
- Article 6: Traffic data
- Article 9: Location data
- Article 13: Unsolicited communications
- Article 15: Restrictions
Applicability
Implemented through Member-State law and directed at covered electronic communications networks/services and related processing.
Current validity
CURRENT AND IN FORCE.
The EU has considered broader ePrivacy reform, but the proposed ePrivacy Regulation was never adopted; the Directive remains the operative text.
Read first
Article 4 → Article 5 → Article 5(3) → Article 6 → Article 9 → Article 13 → Article 15.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Direct marketing
- Cookies and tracking
- Enforcement and penalties
- Anonymisation
Federal Act on Data Protection: Switzerland
Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP / revDSG)
CURRENT: REVISED FADP IN FORCE SINCE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023
What it covers
The revised FADP regulates:
- personal data of natural persons
- processing
Why it matters
The revised FADP is particularly relevant to AI because Switzerland expressly regulates automated individual decisions and the FDPIC has expressly stated that the FADP applies directly to AI-supported processing. (edoeb.admin.ch)
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 5: Definitions
- Article 6: Processing principles
- Article 7: Privacy by design/default
- Article 12: Processing records
- Article 21: Automated individual decisions
- Article 22: DPIA
- Article 24: Data-security breaches
- Article 25 onward: Data-subject rights
Applicability
Private controllers and processors and federal bodies within the FADP's territorial scope.
Foreign organisations may also fall within the FADP where their processing has effects in Switzerland.
Current validity
CURRENT REVISED FADP: IN FORCE SINCE 1 SEPTEMBER 2023.
The 1992 FADP has been repealed and replaced.
Read first
Articles 5–7 → Article 12 → Articles 19–22 → Article 24 → Articles 25–32 → Data Protection Ordinance.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021: UAE Personal Data Protection Law
Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 Concerning the Protection of Personal Data
CURRENT
What it covers
The federal PDPL governs:
- personal-data processing
- sensitive personal data
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1: Definitions
- Article 6: Consent
- Article 11: DPO
- Article 13 onward: Data-subject rights
- Article 18: Automated processing
- Article 20: Personal-data security
- Article 21: DPIA
Applicability
Covered processing inside the UAE and specified external processing connected with UAE activities, subject to statutory exclusions and sector-specific regimes.
Current validity
CURRENT: IN FORCE SINCE 2 JANUARY 2022. (UAE Legislation)
Read first
Articles 1, 5–6 → Article 11 → Article 18 → Article 20 → Article 21 → Articles 22–23.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
Federal Law No. 152-FZ on Personal Data: Russia
Federal Law No. 152-FZ \"On Personal Data\"
CURRENT / AMENDED
What it covers
Federal Law No. 152-FZ is Russia's principal general personal-data statute.
It regulates:
- personal-data operators
Why it matters
Russian data protection differs from GDPR-style frameworks in several important areas, particularly:
- the concept of the personal-data operator
- data-localisation requirements
Refer to it when
- Processing Russian citizens' personal data
- operating a website/service accessible to Russian users
- analysing localisation
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 5: Principles
- Article 6: Conditions for processing
- Article 7: Confidentiality
- Article 9: Consent
- Article 10: Special categories
- Article 11: Biometric personal data
- Article 12: Cross-border transfers
- Article 18.1: Operator obligations
Applicability
Russian operators and specified foreign organisations processing Russian personal data within the law's territorial scope.
Current validity
CURRENT / AMENDED.
The operative version is the latest consolidated text, not the original 2006 text.
Read first
Articles 5–12 → Article 18.1 → Article 19 → Article 22 → localisation/cross-border provisions.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data localisation
- Data protection officer
- Biometrics
HIPAA: United States
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
CURRENT
What it covers
HIPAA regulates Protected Health Information (PHI) and, under the Security Rule, electronic PHI (ePHI).
Provisions / sections covered
- PRIVACY RULE
- SECURITY RULE
Applicability
Not every health-data company is covered.
HIPAA applies only to covered entities and their business associates.
Current validity
HHS continues to identify the existing Security Rule as the currently effective rule, while proposed strengthening amendments remain a separate regulatory proposal. (HHS.gov)
Read first
Privacy Rule → Security Rule → Business Associate Rule/BAA → Breach Notification Rule → 45 CFR §§164.308, 310, 312, 400–414.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Data portability
- Data breach
- Security
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Health data
- Enforcement and penalties
- AI cybersecurity
- Accountability
Law No. 13 of 2016 on Personal Data Privacy Protection: Qatar
Law No. 13 of 2016 on Protecting Personal Data Privacy
Current / in application
What it covers
The law governs personal data processed:
- electronically
- where collected/extracted for electronic processing
Why it matters
It establishes a relatively concise but broad national privacy framework covering:
- consent
- lawful purposes
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 2: Scope
- Article 3: Privacy right
- Article 4: Consent / lawful processing
- Article 5: Individual rights
- Article 6: Access
- Article 8: Controller obligations
- Article 9: Information
- Article 10: Data quality/retention
Applicability
Covered electronic and mixed processing within the law's scope, including website operators and organisations processing personal information.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN APPLICATION. (Al Meezan)
Read first
Articles 2–6 → Articles 8–13 → Article 16 → international transfer provisions → exemptions/enforcement.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Erasure and deletion
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Retention
Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data: Turkey
Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698
CURRENT: MAJOR 2024 AMENDMENTS
What it covers
KVKK regulates:
- personal-data processing
- general principles
Why it matters
The 2024 amendment fundamentally changed two areas:
1. Article 6: special-category personal data
2. Article 9: international transfers
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 4: General principles
- Article 5: General personal data
- Article 6: Special categories
- Article 9: International transfers
- Article 10: Information obligation
- Article 11: Data-subject rights
- Article 12: Security
- Article 18: Administrative sanctions
Current validity
CURRENT: 2024 AMENDED FRAMEWORK.
The pre-2024 version of Articles 6 and 9 is no longer the current text. The authority confirms the 2024 amendment and subsequent transfer regulations/standard contracts. (KVKK)
Read first
Articles 4–6 → Article 9 → Articles 10–12 → Article 18 → 2024 transfer regulation/standard contracts.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Enforcement and penalties
13.709/2018
Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais: LGPD: Brazil
Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados Pessoais
CURRENT
What it covers
LGPD regulates:
- personal-data processing
- sensitive personal data
Why it matters
LGPD is particularly important for AI because Article 20 expressly addresses automated decisions.
The statute is therefore much more than a generic privacy law for AI/data research.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 5: Definitions
- Article 8
- Article 20: Automated decisionmaking
- Article 52
Applicability
Public/private organisations processing personal data within LGPD's territorial criteria.
Current validity
CURRENT.
Brazil continues to publish and maintain the consolidated law through official government sources. (Serviços e Informações do Brasil)
Read first
Articles 5–8 → Articles 17–20 → Article 20 → Articles 33–40 → Articles 46–52.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
- Anonymisation
Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023: NDPA
Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023
CURRENT
What it covers
The NDPA establishes:
- lawful processing
- data-subject rights
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 24
- Section 37: Automated decisionmaking
- Section 39: Security
- Section 40: Breach
Applicability
Controllers/processors subject to the NDPA's territorial and processing conditions.
Current validity
CURRENT.
The NDPC continues to list the NDPA as its principal regulatory source. (Nigeria Data Protection Commission)
Read first
Sections 24–30 → Sections 34–38 → Section 37 → Sections 39–40 → Sections 41–43 → 2025 GAID.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
486
Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance: PDPO: Hong Kong
Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance
Current
What it covers
The PDPO is Hong Kong's principal personal-data privacy law and applies across the public/private data-user environment.
The PCPD characterises it as a principle-based regime centred on six Data Protection Principles in Schedule 1 (PCPD)
The six principles cover:
Why it matters
Its architecture is distinctly principle-based rather than being a long list of prescriptive processing bases.
The six DPPs are designed to govern the personal-data lifecycle from collection through destruction (PCPD)
The Ordinance also operates with:
Refer to it when
- Employee data
- customer data
- biometrics
Provisions / sections covered
- Schedule 1: Six DPPs
- Section 18 and related provisions
- Section 33: Cross-border transfer
Applicability
The Ordinance applies to personal data and covered data users in Hong Kong.
It operates alongside sectoral rules and PCPD codes/guidance.
Current validity
CURRENT.
The Ordinance has undergone substantial amendments, including the 2012 privacy amendments and later anti-doxxing reforms.
Read first
Schedule 1 DPP1–DPP6 → security/DPP4 → access/correction → direct marketing → Section 33 status → enforcement.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Direct marketing
- Biometrics
- Employment data
LOV-2018-06-15-38
Personal Data Act 2018: Norway
Act relating to the processing of personal data (The Personal Data Act)
Current and in force
What it covers
The Norwegian Personal Data Act is fundamentally a GDPR-plus-national-law instrument.
Section 1 incorporates the EU GDPR into Norwegian law with the adaptations arising from the EEA Agreement. Therefore, most Norwegian privacy questions cannot be answered by reading the Norwegian Act alone: the GDPR and the Personal Data Act operate together. (Lovdata)
The Norwegian Act contains national provisions concerning:
Why it matters
It is the principal instrument for understanding how GDPR operates inside Norway.
Norway is in the EEA rather than the EU, so its legal relationship with GDPR is mediated through the EEA Agreement. Section 1 makes GDPR applicable as Norwegian law, while national provisions supplement it where permitted. (Lovdata)
Refer to it when
- Applying GDPR to a Norwegian organisation
- determining Norwegian national derogations
- employment-data processing
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1: Incorporation of GDPR
- Section 5: Children's consent
- Section 6: Employment
- Section 12: National identity numbers
- Section 13: Transfers
- Chapter 4: Exemptions
- Chapter 5: DPO
Applicability
The Act and GDPR cover processing by Norwegian establishments and certain non-EEA controllers/processors targeting or monitoring individuals in Norway. (Lovdata)
Current validity
CURRENT AND IN FORCE.
Lovdata identifies entry into force as 20 July 2018 and provides the consolidated Act. The English translation itself is expressly described as unofficial; the Norwegian text is legally authoritative. (Lovdata)
Read first
Section 1 → Sections 2–4 → Sections 5–13 → Chapter 4 → Chapter 5 → GDPR Articles 5–6, 9, 22, 25, 32 and 35.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Employment data
A1727
Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024: Malaysia
Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024
CURRENT: ALL PROVISIONS COMMENCED IN PHASES BY 1 JUNE 2025
What it covers
The amendments materially change:
- terminology
- controller/processor accountability
Current validity
CURRENT: FULLY COMMENCED BY 1 JUNE 2025. (PDP)
Read first
Act 709 → 2024 amendments → biometric data → Section 12A DPO → Section 12B breach → Section 43A portability → current transfer regime.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Accountability
Personal Data Protection Act: Taiwan
Personal Data Protection Act
CURRENT BASE REGIME; 2025 AMENDMENTS NOT YET FULLY EFFECTIVE
What it covers
Taiwan's PDPA governs:
- collection
- processing
Why it matters
The Act is broad and technology-neutral. It applies to both government and non-government agencies and regulates both automated and non-automated data files.
Refer to it when
- Processing Taiwanese personal data
- sensitive-data processing
- employee data
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1: Purpose
- Article 2: Definitions
- Article 3: Data-subject rights
- Article 6: Sensitive personal data
- Article 21: International transfers
- Article 27: Security
Applicability
Government and non-government agencies subject to the Act, with specific territorial rules.
Current validity
CURRENT, but the 11 November 2025 amendment has provisions whose effective date remains to be determined. (PDPC Law)
Read first
Articles 1–3 → Article 6 → Articles 8–13 → Articles 19–21 → Article 27 → 2025 amendment/commencement status.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Biometrics
Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019): Thailand
Personal Data Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019)
CURRENT / SUBSTANTIVE REGIME OPERATIVE SINCE 1 JUNE 2022
What it covers
The Thai PDPA governs:
- collection
- use
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 19: Consent
- Section 21: Purpose limitation
- Section 22: Data minimisation
- Section 23: Transparency
- Section 24: Alternative lawful bases
- Section 26: Sensitive personal data
- Section 37: Controller obligations
- Section 40: Processor
Applicability
The Act has territorial reach, including specified processing by organisations outside Thailand when they offer goods/services to Thai residents or monitor behaviour in Thailand.
Current validity
CURRENT.
Read first
Sections 19–26 → Sections 28–29 → Sections 30–36 → Sections 37–41 → enforcement.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Data breach
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
Personal Data Protection Act 2012: Singapore
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Current. Singapore Statutes Online identifies a current version as of September 2026, including amendments through 2025. (AGC)
What it covers
The PDPA provides Singapore's baseline general personal-data protection framework.
It regulates:
- collection
Current validity
CURRENT
Read first
Sections 11–18 → Sections 21–26 → Sections 26A–26D → enforcement provisions.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Data subject rights
- Data portability
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Accountability
25,326
Personal Data Protection Act No. 25,326: Argentina
Ley de Protección de los Datos Personales
Current and operative
What it covers
Law 25,326 is Argentina's foundational general personal-data protection statute. Its stated purpose is the comprehensive protection of personal data contained in files, records, databases and other technical means of processing, whether public or private databases intended to provide information. It protects the rights of individuals concerning their personal information and expressly connects the regime to the constitutional right of habeas data under Article 43 of the Argentine Constitution. (Infoleg)
The law covers both automated and non-automated processing and defines personal data broadly. It also defines sensitive data, including racial/ethnic origin, political opinions, religious/philosophical convictions, trade-union affiliation, and health or sexual-life information. (Infoleg)
The statute is structured around:
Why it matters
Although enacted in 2000, it remains the foundational Argentine privacy instrument. Its structure is important for understanding Argentina's approach to:
- purpose limitation
- data quality
Refer to it when
Use this law when researching:
- whether collection of personal data is permissible
- sensitive-data processing
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1: Object
- Article 2: Definitions
- Article 4: Data quality
- Article 5: Consent
- Article 6: Information
- Article 7: Sensitive data
- Article 9: Security
- Article 25: Processing by third parties
Applicability
The law applies to the covered public and private databases and personal-data processing within its scope.
It also has dedicated rules concerning international transfers and database users/controllers.
Current validity
CURRENT AND OPERATIVE.
The official Argentine legal database continues to maintain an updated version of Law 25,326 and its implementing framework. (Infoleg)
Read first
Article 1 → Article 2 → Article 4 → Articles 5–9 → Articles 13–16 → Articles 21–27 → Articles 31–32 → habeas data provisions.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
Personal Data Protection Law: Indonesia
Law No. 27 of 2022 on Personal Data Protection
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The PDP Law regulates:
- personal-data principles
- categories of personal data
Why it matters
It is Indonesia's first comprehensive, dedicated national personal-data statute and replaces the previous fragmented framework.
It is especially important for digital businesses, technology companies, financial services, health systems and organisations operating large-scale personal-data ecosystems.
Read first
Definitions/data categories → data-subject rights → lawful processing → controller/processor duties → impact assessment → security/breach → transfers → sanctions.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
Personal Data Protection Law No. 29,733: Peru
Ley No. 29733, Ley de Protección de Datos Personales
CURRENT AND IN FORCE
What it covers
Law No. 29733 is Peru's principal general personal-data protection statute. Its purpose is to guarantee the fundamental right to protection of personal data recognised under Article 2(6) of the Peruvian Constitution through appropriate processing of personal data. The law applies to public and private processing and establishes principles, lawful processing requirements, individual rights, database regulation, security obligations, international transfers and enforcement. The Peruvian government continues to identify it as the principal privacy statute, while Supreme Decree No. 016-2024-JUS provides its current implementing regulation. (Gob.pe)
The current regulatory framework should therefore be read as:
Law No. 29733 + Supreme Decree No. 016-2024-JUS
Why it matters
Peru's framework is particularly relevant because it combines traditional data-protection principles with provisions concerning automated decisions, security, proportionality and data-subject rights.
The law is also important for Latin-American comparative research because Peru's framework has developed alongside the GDPR-influenced modernization of data-protection laws throughout the region.
Refer to it when
Use this law when researching:
- lawful processing of personal data
- consent
Applicability
Public and private entities that process personal data within the territorial scope of Peruvian law.
Current validity
CURRENT.
The current framework comprises both:
Law No. 29733
Read first
Articles 4–10 → Articles 18–25 → security → international transfers → Supreme Decree No. 016-2024-JUS.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
Personal Data Protection Law No. 30 of 2018: Bahrain
Law No. 30 of 2018 with Respect to Personal Data Protection
Current
What it covers
Bahrain's PDPL provides a comprehensive framework for personal-data processing, including:
- definitions
- processing principles
Why it matters
It is Bahrain's principal comprehensive personal-data protection framework.
Its structure is significant because it addresses both:
substantive privacy
Refer to it when
- Assessing Bahrain personal-data processing
- sensitive-data processing
- controller/processor governance
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1: Definitions
- Article 10: Register/Data Protection Guardian
- Article 12: Transfers outside Bahrain
- Article 13: Exceptions to transfer restrictions
Applicability
The law applies to covered automated and non-automated processing forming part of or intended to form part of a filing system.
The exact territorial/application rules should be assessed against the statutory scope and applicable implementing decisions rather than assuming every Bahrain-related data flow is automatically covered.
Current validity
CURRENT AND OPERATIVE.
The Bahrain Government continues to publish the law as the governing Personal Data Protection Law. The official English version itself notes that the Arabic text prevails in case of discrepancy (Bahrain)
Read first
Article 1 → processing principles → controller/processor obligations → security → Data Protection Guardian/register → Article 12 → Article 13 → rights/enforcement.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
S.C. 2000, c. 5
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act: PIPEDA: Canada
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
Current. The Justice Laws Website's current consolidation was updated in 2026. (Department of Justice Canada)
What it covers
PIPEDA establishes Canada's federal private-sector framework for handling personal information in commercial activities.
Its core privacy framework incorporates the 10 principles in Schedule 1, including:
- accountability
Applicability
PIPEDA generally applies to:
- private-sector organisations engaged in commercial activities
- federally regulated businesses
Current validity
CURRENT
Read first
Section 3 → Section 4 → Schedule 1 → Sections 5–10 → Section 10.1 → Sections 11–18.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Automated decision-making
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Retention
- Transparency
- Accountability
Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China: PIPL
Personal Information Protection Law of the People's Republic of China
Current. (Supreme People's Procuratorate)
What it covers
The PIPL is China's comprehensive personal-information protection statute.
Its structure covers:
- general principles
Current validity
CURRENT: effective 1 November 2021
Read first
Articles 3–9 → Articles 13–24 → Articles 28–31 → Articles 37–43 → Articles 51–59 → Articles 66 onward.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
31 of 2020
Privacy Act 2020: New Zealand
Privacy Act 2020
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act governs personal information through:
- 13 Information Privacy Principles
- access/correction rights
Provisions / sections covered
- IPPs 1–13: Part 3
- Section 201: Privacy officers
Applicability
The Act applies broadly to New Zealand agencies, including public/private organisations, with specific rules for overseas agencies.
Current validity
CURRENT. Check the consolidation date of the text you rely on.
The official site expressly states that some amendments from 2026 have not yet been incorporated into the 1 May 2026 version. (Legislation New Zealand)
Read first
IPP1–13 → Sections 39–67 → Sections 112–118 → Part 7 information sharing/matching → Sections 192–200.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Accountability
5 U.S.C. §552a
Privacy Act of 1974: United States
Privacy Act of 1974
CURRENT
What it covers
The Act regulates:
- collection
- maintenance
Why it matters
It is one of the foundational federal information-privacy statutes in the United States and remains particularly important for government AI/data systems.
Refer to it when
- A federal agency holds personal records
- determining whether information is part of a system of records
- accessing/amending federal records
Applicability
Federal agencies and covered federal systems of records.
Current validity
CURRENT FEDERAL LAW.
Read first
§552a(a) → (b) → (c) → (d) → (e) → (g) → (o)–(p).
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Data subject rights
- Government data
- Transparency
128 of 2024
Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024: Australia
Privacy and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024
In force, with provisions commencing in phases. (Federal Register of Legislation)
What it covers
The Act implements major reforms across:
- privacy protections
- children's privacy
Current validity
CURRENT AMENDING LEGISLATION: PHASED COMMENCEMENT
Read first
Schedule 1 → Parts 4–7 → Part 15: Automated Decisions and Privacy Policies → Schedule 2: Serious Invasions of Privacy → Schedule 3: Doxxing.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Children's data
- Automated decision-making
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Transparency
Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013: POPIA: South Africa
Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013
CURRENT / FULLY IN FORCE SINCE 1 JULY 2021
What it covers
POPIA regulates processing by:
- public bodies
- private bodies
Why it matters
POPIA is particularly useful for AI research because it has a dedicated provision concerning automated decisionmaking.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 19: Security safeguards
- Section 22: Security compromises
- Section 69: Direct marketing
- Section 71: Automated decisionmaking
- Section 72: Transborder information flows
Applicability
Public/private bodies processing personal information subject to the Act.
Current validity
CURRENT / FULLY IN FORCE.
Read first
Conditions 1–8 → Section 19 → Section 22 → Section 69 → Section 71 → Section 72.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
Protection of Privacy Law 5741-1981: Israel
Protection of Privacy Law, 5741-1981
Current: materially amended by Amendment No. 13
What it covers
Israel's Protection of Privacy Law is the principal national law governing privacy and databases.
It regulates:
- personal information
Why it matters
Amendment No. 13 was a major structural reform.
The Privacy Protection Authority describes it as expanding the definition of personal information, establishing stronger administrative enforcement powers, introducing significant administrative fines and creating new DPO and database-management obligations (Gov.il)
Refer to it when
- Database governance
- information security
- biometric processing
Applicability
Public and private organisations operating databases/processing personal information within the Israeli framework.
Current validity
CURRENT: AS AMENDED BY AMENDMENT NO. 13.
The current Knesset record marks the law as valid, with Amendment 13 as the latest direct amendment (Knesset)
Read first
Definitions → database controller/holder → processing → security → DPO → registration/notification → enforcement → Amendment 13.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Data breach
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Health data
- Enforcement and penalties
- Registration and notification
UK GDPR + Data Protection Act 2018: United Kingdom
CURRENT: substantially amended by DUAA 2025
What it covers
The UK's data-protection framework is composed principally of:
1. UK GDPR
2. Data Protection Act 2018
Why it matters
The UK framework is particularly important for AI because of:
- Article 22 automated decisionmaking
- transparency
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 5
- Article 6
- Article 9
- Article 22
- Article 25
- Article 30
- Article 32
- Article 35
Applicability
The UK GDPR/DPA framework applies to UK-established controllers/processors and has specified extraterritorial reach for certain third-country processing. The DUAA explanatory material confirms its data-protection amendments extend across the UK, subject to specified exceptions. (Legislation.gov.uk)
Current validity
CURRENT: AS AMENDED BY DUAA 2025.
Read first
UK GDPR Articles 5–9 → Articles 12–22 → Article 22 → Article 25 → Article 32 → Articles 33–35 → Articles 44–49 → DPA 2018 Parts 2–4 → DUAA 2025 amendments/commencement.
- AI: Very High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
Va. Code §§59.1-571 et seq.
Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act: VCDPA
CURRENT
What it covers
The VCDPA regulates covered businesses that control/process personal data of Virginia consumers and establishes:
- consumer rights
- controller duties
Why it matters
Virginia was one of the first US state privacy statutes to combine a GDPR-influenced controller/processor model with specific consumer rights and a right to opt out of certain profiling.
Applicability
The current §59.1-576 applies to persons that:
- conduct business in Virginia or target Virginia residents; and
- process at least 100,000 consumers' personal data; or
Current validity
CURRENT: CODE VERSION CHECKED 20 SEPTEMBER 2026. (law.lis.virginia.gov)
Read first
§59.1-576 → §59.1-577 → §59.1-578 → §59.1-579 → §59.1-580 → profiling/sensitive-data provisions.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Security
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Transparency
Act No. 63 of 2026
Bangladesh Personal Data Protection Act, 2026
CURRENT / IN FORCE (deemed from 6 November 2025; ss. 23 and 31–35 commence later by notification)
What it covers
The Act (published in Bengali) is Bangladesh's comprehensive data-protection law. It replaces the 2025 Personal Data Protection Ordinance and its 2026 amendment. It applies to citizens, residents and visitors in Bangladesh, to processing inside Bangladesh, and to processing outside Bangladesh connected with offering goods or services to, or monitoring, people in Bangladesh. It uses the terms data fiduciary (data trustee) and processor, defines categories such as financial data, and regulates lawful processing, data-principal rights, cross-border transfers and penalties.
Why it matters
It brings Bangladesh into the group of jurisdictions with an extraterritorial, GDPR-style data-protection statute, relevant to any business serving or monitoring people in Bangladesh.
Refer to it when
Use it when processing personal data of people in Bangladesh, offering services into Bangladesh, transferring ID, biometric, genetic or criminal-record data abroad, or assessing penalties and the staged commencement of enforcement provisions.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1 – Title, scope and commencement
- Section 2 – Definitions
Applicability
Data fiduciaries and processors processing personal data in Bangladesh or about people in Bangladesh, including from abroad.
Current validity
CURRENT. Deemed in force from 6 November 2025; complaints and penalty sections (ss. 23, 31–35) await Government notification. The supplied text is in Bengali. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (scope and commencement) → Section 2 (definitions) → processing and rights provisions → cross-border transfer rules → penalties (ss. 31–35).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Lawful basis
- Cross-border transfers
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
Brunei Darussalam Personal Data Protection Order, 2025
ENACTED / COMMENCEMENT BY GAZETTE NOTIFICATION
What it covers
The Order has 65 sections and six schedules. It governs how organisations collect, use and disclose personal data: consent and deemed consent, purpose limitation, notification of purposes, access and correction, accuracy, protection, retention limits, transfer outside Brunei, data-breach assessment and notification, data portability, and a Do-Not-Call style framework for specified messages, with enforcement by AITI.
Why it matters
It is Brunei's first general personal-data law for the private sector, closely modelled on Singapore's PDPA approach.
Refer to it when
Use it when an organisation in Brunei collects or uses personal data, transfers it abroad, suffers a data breach, or sends marketing messages.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1 – Citation and commencement
Applicability
Private-sector organisations collecting, using or disclosing personal data in Brunei Darussalam.
Current validity
ENACTED. Commencement depends on a Gazette notification; the supplied Gazette does not itself show the commencement date. Confirm current commencement with AITI before relying on specific obligations. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (commencement) → interpretation → consent obligations → protection and retention → transfer limitation → breach notification → enforcement.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Data subject rights
- Data portability
- Data breach
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Registration and notification
Kuwait CITRA Data Privacy Protection Regulation
ISSUED SECTORAL REGULATION (effective date not stated in supplied text)
What it covers
A sectoral privacy regulation for service providers licensed by CITRA, including telecommunications and IT providers. It covers lawful collection and processing of users' personal data, consent, users' rights, data security, appointment of a data protection officer, disclosure to third parties, and notification of personal-data breaches to CITRA within 72 hours.
Why it matters
Kuwait has no general data-protection statute; this regulation is the main binding privacy framework for the telecom and ICT sector.
Refer to it when
Use it for telecom or ICT providers in Kuwait handling customer data, designing consent, appointing a DPO or responding to a breach.
Applicability
CITRA-regulated telecommunications and IT service providers in Kuwait; not a general law for all sectors.
Current validity
ISSUED. The supplied version (V1.8) does not state its issue or effective date; check CITRA for the current version. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Scope and definitions → lawful processing and consent → users' rights → security and DPO → breach notification.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Data breach
- Data protection officer
Law No. 81
Lebanon Law No. 81 Relating to Electronic Transactions and Personal Data
CURRENT / IN FORCE (three months after Official Gazette publication)
What it covers
A dual-subject law. It gives legal effect to electronic writing, documents and signatures, regulates certification and electronic-service providers, e-commerce, electronic payments and bank cards, the .lb domain and intermediary liability. Its personal-data part (Articles 85 onward) sets principles for processing personal data, data-subject rights, declaration or licensing of processing with the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and penalties.
Why it matters
It is Lebanon's only general law containing personal-data protection rules.
Refer to it when
Use it for electronic contracts and signatures in Lebanon, e-commerce, or any processing of personal data in Lebanon.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1 – Definitions
- Part V – Personal data (Articles 85 onward)
Applicability
Persons and entities conducting electronic transactions or processing personal data in Lebanon.
Current validity
CURRENT. Signed 10 October 2018; the law states it enters into force three months after publication in the Official Gazette. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Article 1 (definitions) → electronic writing and signature provisions → Part V personal data (Articles 85 onward) → penalties.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Data subject rights
- Enforcement and penalties
Electronic Commerce Act of the Islamic Republic of Iran
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act sets the legal framework for electronic commerce: legal recognition of data messages, originators and addressees, secure information systems and methods, simple and secure electronic signatures, certification service providers, consumer protection in distance contracts, protection of personal (private) data messages, intellectual property in electronic form, and offences and penalties.
Why it matters
It is the main Iranian statute containing rules on protecting personal data in electronic form.
Refer to it when
Use it for electronic contracts, e-signatures, online consumer contracts or handling personal data messages in Iran.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1 – Scope
- Article 2 – Definitions
Applicability
Electronic commerce and data-message transactions in Iran.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied English translation does not show its approval date; it is listed here under 2004. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Article 1 (scope) → Article 2 (definitions) → electronic signature provisions → consumer protection → personal data protection → offences.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Enforcement and penalties
Act No. 13 of 2011
Trinidad and Tobago Data Protection Act, 2011
PARTLY IN FORCE (commencement by Presidential Proclamation)
What it covers
An Act to provide for the protection of personal privacy and information. It sets general privacy principles, establishes an Information Commissioner, regulates the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by public bodies and by private organisations, covers sensitive personal information and transfers outside Trinidad and Tobago, and amends the Freedom of Information Act.
Why it matters
It is Trinidad and Tobago's data-protection statute, but much of it depends on proclamation, so its operative reach must be checked.
Refer to it when
Use it when handling personal information in Trinidad and Tobago, after confirming which Parts have been proclaimed.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1 – Short title and commencement
- Section 6 – General privacy principles
Applicability
Public bodies and private organisations in Trinidad and Tobago, to the extent the relevant Parts are proclaimed.
Current validity
PARTLY IN FORCE. Commencement is by Proclamation; the supplied 2011 text does not show which Parts have been proclaimed. Confirm before relying on specific obligations. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (commencement) → Section 2 (definitions) → Section 6 (privacy principles) → Information Commissioner → public bodies → private organisations.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Low
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Retention
- Accountability
Act No. 18 of 2023
Guyana Data Protection Act, 2023
ENACTED / COMMENCEMENT BY MINISTERIAL ORDER
What it covers
Guyana's comprehensive data-protection statute. It regulates the processing of personal data by data controllers and processors, sets data-protection principles, special rules for sensitive personal data, data-subject rights including access, rectification, erasure and objection, security and breach obligations, transfers outside Guyana, and supervision and enforcement by a Data Protection Commissioner.
Why it matters
It gives Guyana a modern GDPR-style data-protection framework.
Refer to it when
Use it for processing personal data in Guyana, data-subject requests, breaches and international transfers.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1 – Short title and commencement
Applicability
Data controllers and processors processing personal data in Guyana.
Current validity
ENACTED. Published 16 August 2023; commencement depends on a ministerial order, which the supplied Gazette does not show. The PDF here is a compressed copy of the Gazette. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (commencement) → definitions → principles → data-subject rights → controller and processor duties → transfers → Commissioner and enforcement.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Cross-border transfers
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
Jamaica Data Protection Act, 2020
CURRENT / IN FORCE (phased commencement)
What it covers
Jamaica's comprehensive data-protection statute. It sets eight data-protection standards for data controllers, gives data subjects rights of access, to prevent processing, to object to direct marketing and in relation to automated decisions, requires controllers to register with the Information Commissioner and in some cases appoint a data protection officer, regulates transfers outside Jamaica and security breaches, and provides for enforcement notices, assessments and offences.
Why it matters
It is a GDPR-influenced regime applying to controllers in Jamaica and to some controllers outside Jamaica that process data there.
Refer to it when
Use it for processing personal data in Jamaica, registration with the Information Commissioner, data-subject requests, breaches or direct marketing.
Applicability
Data controllers established in Jamaica, or using equipment in Jamaica to process personal data.
Current validity
CURRENT. Commencement was phased by order; check the Office of the Information Commissioner for the dates of individual provisions. The supplied PDF is a scanned copy. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Preliminary and definitions → data-protection standards → data-subject rights → registration → Information Commissioner and enforcement.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Lawful basis
- Data subject rights
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Direct marketing
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
Act 5 of 2021
Zimbabwe Cyber and Data Protection Act [Chapter 12:07]
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
A combined data-protection and cybersecurity statute. It designates POTRAZ as Data Protection Authority and provides for a Cyber Security Centre; sets rules on data quality and processing of sensitive, genetic, biometric and health data; imposes controller and processor duties including security and breach notification; gives data subjects rights including protection against decisions based solely on automated processing; regulates transborder flows; and amends the Criminal Law Code to create cybercrime offences and the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act for electronic evidence.
Why it matters
It is Zimbabwe's only general data-protection law and its main cybercrime statute.
Refer to it when
Use it for processing personal data in Zimbabwe, cross-border transfers, breaches, automated decisions or cybercrime and electronic evidence.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part II – Data Protection Authority (ss. 5–6)
- Part IV – Processing rules (ss. 8–12)
- Part V – Duties (ss. 13–24)
- Section 25 – Automated decisions
- Part VII – Transborder flows (ss. 28–29)
- Part XI – Amendments (ss. 35–37)
Applicability
Data controllers and processors, public and private, processing personal data in Zimbabwe.
Current validity
CURRENT. The PDF is the ZimLII / Laws.Africa consolidated text as at 11 March 2022, not the original Gazette; later amendments or regulations may exist. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Part I (ss. 1–4) → Part II Authority → Part IV processing rules → Part V duties and breach notification → Part VI rights and automated decisions → Part VII transborder flows → Part XI cybercrime amendments.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Automated decision-making
- Data breach
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Health data
- AI cybersecurity
No 3144-XI-Xმს-Xმპ, 14 June 2023
Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection
CURRENT / IN FORCE (Articles 1–87 from 1 March 2024)
What it covers
Georgia's comprehensive data-protection law, closely modelled on the GDPR. It applies to automated processing and filing-system processing in Georgia, and to controllers not established in Georgia that use technical means in Georgia (other than for transit). It sets processing principles and legal grounds, special-category data rules, data-subject rights, controller and processor duties, incident notification, transfers abroad, the powers of the Personal Data Protection Service, and administrative fines.
Why it matters
It replaced Georgia's 2011 law with a modern GDPR-style regime, relevant to anyone processing data in Georgia or using technical means there.
Refer to it when
Use it for processing personal data in Georgia, data-subject requests, incident notification, transfers out of Georgia or fines imposed by the Personal Data Protection Service.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 2 – Scope
- Chapter on data-subject rights
- Administrative offences (to Article 87)
- Article 90 – Entry into force
Applicability
Controllers and processors in Georgia, and non-established controllers using technical means in Georgia.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN FORCE. The supplied copy is a consolidated version for 02/04/2025–13/05/2025 and notes it is not the latest edition; amendments of 5 September 2024 and 6 February 2025 are listed. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Article 2 (scope) → definitions and principles → data-subject rights → controller duties and incidents → sanctions → Article 90.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Automated decision-making
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
Law of the Republic of Armenia on Protection of Personal Data
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Armenia's general data-protection law. It regulates how state and local bodies, organisations and natural persons process personal data, sets the main concepts (personal data, processing, transfer to third parties), processing principles and legal grounds, special-category and biometric data, data-subject rights of access, rectification and blocking, transfers to third parties and to other countries, and the powers of the authorised body.
Why it matters
It is the primary privacy law for Armenia and the basis for supervision by Armenia's Personal Data Protection Agency.
Refer to it when
Use it for processing personal data in Armenia, responding to data-subject requests (with five-day response duties in some cases), or transferring data outside Armenia.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 1 – Subject matter
- Article 3 – Main concepts
- Article 26 – Transfer to third parties
- Article 28 – Final part
Applicability
State and local bodies, organisations and natural persons processing personal data in Armenia.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN FORCE. The supplied copy is taken from the legislation portal and does not state its consolidation date; check for later amendments. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Article 1 (scope) → Article 3 (concepts) → principles and legal grounds → data-subject rights → Article 26 (transfers).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Data subject rights
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
Law No. 124/2024
Albania Law No. 124/2024 on Personal Data Protection
CURRENT / IN FORCE (15 days after publication; some articles two years after publication)
What it covers
Albania's new data-protection law, stated to be fully aligned with the GDPR and with Directive (EU) 2016/680 on law-enforcement processing. It applies to controllers and processors established in Albania and to non-established controllers offering goods or services to, or monitoring, people in Albania. It covers principles, legal bases, data-subject rights, controller and processor duties, transfers, supervision, sanctions and a part on processing by competent authorities for criminal-law purposes.
Why it matters
It replaces Law No. 9887 of 2008 and brings Albania's regime into line with EU law ahead of EU accession, relevant to businesses serving people in Albania.
Refer to it when
Use it for GDPR-equivalent compliance in Albania, extraterritorial reach, law-enforcement processing, or the staged entry into force of specific articles.
Provisions / sections covered
- Article 101 – Entry into force
Applicability
Controllers and processors established in Albania, and non-established controllers targeting or monitoring people in Albania; competent authorities for criminal-law processing.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN FORCE. The supplied English text does not state the Official Gazette publication date, so the two-year date for the delayed articles should be checked. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Articles 3–4 (scope) → definitions and principles → rights → controller duties → transfers → Article 101.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Data subject rights
- Automated decision-making
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
- Accountability
Public Act 2015 No 63
New Zealand Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015
CURRENT / IN FORCE (version as at 9 March 2022)
What it covers
The Act aims to deter, prevent and reduce harm caused by digital communications and to give victims quick and efficient redress. It sets ten communication principles, establishes an Approved Agency to receive and resolve complaints, lets the District Court make orders (such as take-down orders) against harmful digital communications, gives online content hosts a safe-harbour process, and creates offences including causing harm by posting a digital communication.
Why it matters
It is New Zealand's main law on online harassment, intimate image abuse and harmful posts, and sets notice-and-takedown duties for online content hosts.
Refer to it when
Use it for online harassment or harmful posts in New Zealand, take-down requests, content-host liability or the criminal offence of posting harmful digital communications.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 6 – Communication principles
- Section 22 – Causing harm by posting digital communication
Applicability
Individuals posting digital communications, online content hosts and victims of harmful communications in New Zealand.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN FORCE. The supplied version is as at 9 March 2022; check for later amendments. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 3 (purpose) → section 6 (principles) → Approved Agency → court orders → section 22 → content-host safe harbour.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Moderate
Act No. 19 of 2020
South Africa Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020
IN FORCE (commences on dates fixed by the President by proclamation)
What it covers
The Act creates offences relating to cybercrime (unlawful access, interception of data, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, forgery, extortion and malicious communications), criminalises disclosure of harmful data messages including intimate images, and provides for protection orders, jurisdiction, search, access and seizure powers, expedited preservation of data, mutual assistance, a 24/7 point of contact, and duties on electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report and preserve information.
Why it matters
It is South Africa's main cybercrime statute, sitting alongside POPIA, and imposes reporting duties on service providers and financial institutions.
Refer to it when
Use it for cyber incidents and offences in South Africa, harmful data messages, police powers to obtain data, or reporting duties of electronic communications service providers and financial institutions.
Provisions / sections covered
- Chapter 1 – Cybercrimes
- Chapter 2 – Malicious communications
Applicability
All persons in South Africa, with extraterritorial jurisdiction rules, plus specific duties on service providers and financial institutions.
Current validity
IN FORCE BY PROCLAMATION. The supplied Gazette copy does not show which sections have been proclaimed; check the commencement proclamation for each provision. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Definitions → Chapter 1 offences → Chapter 2 malicious communications → investigation powers → reporting obligations.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Very High
- Impact assessment
- Enforcement and penalties
- AI cybersecurity
S.C. 2010, c. 23
Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), S.C. 2010, c. 23
CURRENT / IN FORCE (consolidation current to 21 September 2026)
What it covers
CASL regulates commercial electronic messages (email, text and similar). Sending one requires consent (express or implied), sender identification and a working unsubscribe mechanism. It also prohibits altering transmission data and installing computer programs on another person's device without consent, and amends the CRTC Act, the Competition Act, PIPEDA and the Telecommunications Act to address false or misleading electronic messages and address harvesting.
Why it matters
It is one of the strictest anti-spam regimes in the world and applies to messages sent to or accessed from computers in Canada, with large administrative monetary penalties.
Refer to it when
Use it for email or SMS marketing to Canadians, consent and unsubscribe design, software installation consent or CRTC enforcement.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 6 – Unsolicited commercial electronic messages
- Section 7 – Alteration of transmission data
- Section 8 – Installation of computer programs
- Section 10 – Consent
Applicability
Anyone sending commercial electronic messages to, or installing programs on, computer systems in Canada.
Current validity
CURRENT / IN FORCE. Some amendments listed in the consolidation were not in force on 21 September 2026; they appear under "Amendments Not in Force". Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (definitions) → section 6 → section 10 (consent) → sections 7–8 → penalties.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Consent
- Direct marketing
- Enforcement and penalties
2016 c. 25
UK Investigatory Powers Act 2016
IN FORCE (supplied copy is the Act as enacted)
What it covers
The Act sets out when public authorities may interfere with privacy to obtain communications. Part 1 sets general privacy duties and offences of unlawful interception and unlawful obtaining of communications data. Later Parts regulate targeted interception, communications data acquisition and retention notices, equipment interference, bulk interception, bulk acquisition, bulk equipment interference and bulk personal datasets, with a double-lock of Secretary of State and Judicial Commissioner approval, oversight by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and duties on telecommunications operators.
Why it matters
It is the UK's central surveillance law and directly affects telecom operators and online services that may receive warrants, retention notices or technical capability notices.
Refer to it when
Use it for UK lawful interception, communications-data requests and retention, technical capability notices, or how surveillance interacts with privacy rights.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2 – General duties in relation to privacy
- Section 11 – Unlawful obtaining of communications data
- Part 2 – Targeted interception warrants
Applicability
UK intelligence and law-enforcement bodies, and telecommunications and postal operators subject to warrants and notices.
Current validity
IN FORCE. The supplied copy is the Act as enacted and does not include later amendments, such as those made by the Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Act 2024; check the current revised text. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 (overview) → section 2 (privacy duties) → Part 1 offences → Part 2 interception → Parts 3–4 communications data → Part 8 oversight.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Government data
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
1990 c. 18
UK Computer Misuse Act 1990
IN FORCE (supplied copy is the Act as enacted)
What it covers
The Act creates the UK's core computer offences: unauthorised access to computer material (section 1), unauthorised access with intent to commit or facilitate further offences (section 2) and unauthorised modification of computer material (section 3). It sets territorial scope and significant links with domestic jurisdiction, rules for inchoate offences, proceedings, search warrants, extradition, application to Scotland and Northern Ireland, and interpretation.
Why it matters
It is the foundation of UK cybercrime law, used against hacking and malware, and is relevant to security testing and incident response.
Refer to it when
Use it for UK hacking or unauthorised-access offences, assessing whether security research or access is authorised, or jurisdiction over cross-border computer crime.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 1 – Unauthorised access to computer material
- Section 2 – Unauthorised access with intent
- Section 3 – Unauthorised modification
- Section 17 – Interpretation
Applicability
Any person committing computer-misuse offences with a significant link to the UK.
Current validity
IN FORCE, AS AMENDED. The supplied copy is the original 1990 text; later Acts added offences (for example sections 3ZA and 3A) and changed penalties, so check the current revised text. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 1 → section 3 → section 17 (interpretation) → sections 4–5 (jurisdiction).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Very High
- Cross-border transfers
- Enforcement and penalties
2022 c. 46
Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Part 1 gives ministers power to specify security requirements for relevant connectable products made available to UK consumers, and sets duties for manufacturers, importers and distributors: complying with the requirements, statements of compliance, investigating and acting on compliance failures, and keeping records. It provides enforcement notices, recall notices and monetary penalties. Part 2 amends the Electronic Communications Code and related law on the installation and sharing of telecommunications infrastructure.
Why it matters
It is the UK's baseline security law for consumer smart and internet-connected products, backed by regulations that ban universal default passwords and require vulnerability-reporting and security-update information.
Refer to it when
Use it when making, importing or selling connectable consumer products in the UK, or for rights over telecoms infrastructure on land.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 1 Chapter 1 – Security requirements
- Part 1 Chapter 2 – Duties of relevant persons
- Part 1 Chapter 3 – Enforcement
- Part 2 – Telecommunications infrastructure
Applicability
Manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer connectable products in the UK; telecoms operators and landowners for Part 2.
Current validity
CURRENT. Royal Assent 6 December 2022; the product security regime applies from 29 April 2024. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Sections 1-3 (security requirements) → duties of manufacturers → enforcement → Part 2.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Low
- Cyber: Very High
- Enforcement and penalties
2023 c. 50
Online Safety Act 2023
CURRENT (phased commencement)
What it covers
The Act defines regulated user-to-user and search services, including services outside the UK with links to the UK. Part 3 imposes duties of care: illegal content risk assessments and safety duties, children's risk assessments and safety duties, content reporting and complaints, freedom of expression and privacy duties, and extra duties for categorised services. It covers pornography providers' age-assurance duties, Ofcom's codes of practice, information powers, fees and enforcement, and creates offences such as false and threatening communications, cyberflashing and sharing intimate images.
Why it matters
It is the UK's main platform-regulation law, with fines up to £18 million or 10% of qualifying worldwide revenue, whichever is greater.
Refer to it when
Use it for duties of online platforms or search services with UK users, age assurance, children's online safety or the online communications offences.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 2 – Key definitions
- Part 3 – Duties of care
- Part 5 – Pornography providers
- Part 7 – Ofcom's powers
- Part 10 – Communications offences
Applicability
Providers of user-to-user, search and pornography services with links to the UK.
Current validity
CURRENT. Royal Assent 26 October 2023; duties apply in phases as Ofcom codes come into force. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Sections 1-5 → Part 3 Chapter 2 (user-to-user duties) → Part 5 → Part 7.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Low
- Children's data
- Enforcement and penalties
No. 129, 2003 (Compilation No. 10, 10 March 2016)
Spam Act 2003
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act prohibits sending, or causing to be sent, unsolicited commercial electronic messages (email, SMS, MMS and instant messages) that have an Australian link. Messages need the recipient's consent, accurate sender identification and contact details, and a working unsubscribe facility honoured within five working days. It bans supplying, acquiring or using address-harvesting software and harvested lists, and provides civil penalties, injunctions and enforceable undertakings.
Why it matters
It is Australia's main electronic marketing law, applying alongside the Privacy Act 1988.
Refer to it when
Use it for email or SMS marketing to Australians, consent for commercial messages or unsubscribe rules.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 2 – Rules about commercial electronic messages
- Part 3 – Address-harvesting software
- Part 4 – Civil penalties
- Schedule 1 / Schedule 2
Applicability
Anyone sending commercial electronic messages with an Australian link.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied copy is Compilation No. 10 (10 March 2016); check later amendments. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 6 (definitions) → sections 16-18 → Schedule 2 (consent) → Part 4.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Low
- Consent
- Direct marketing
- Enforcement and penalties
No. 76, 2021 (Compilation No. 4, 12 September 2026)
Online Safety Act 2021
CURRENT (amended)
What it covers
The Act sets up the eSafety Commissioner and complaint-based removal schemes for cyber-bullying material targeted at Australian children, cyber-abuse material targeted at Australian adults, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. It includes the online content scheme for class 1 and class 2 material, blocking of abhorrent violent conduct material, Basic Online Safety Expectations with reporting requirements, industry codes and standards, and the social media minimum age obligations.
Why it matters
It is Australia's central online-safety law and the basis of eSafety's removal notices and the under-16 social media restriction.
Refer to it when
Use it for platform takedown notices in Australia, cyber-abuse complaints, image-based abuse, or age restrictions on social media.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 2 – eSafety Commissioner
- Part 4 – Basic Online Safety Expectations
- Part 4A – Social media minimum age
Applicability
Social media, messaging, hosting and other online service providers with Australian end-users.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied copy is Compilation No. 4, in force on 12 September 2026. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Part 1 definitions → Part 4A → Parts 3 and 5-7 → Part 4.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Low
- Children's data
No. 47, 1997 (Compilation No. 117, 4 June 2026)
Telecommunications Act 1997
CURRENT (amended)
What it covers
The Act is Australia's core telecommunications statute. It covers carrier licensing and carriage service providers, industry codes and standards, consumer safeguards, and Part 13, which restricts the use and disclosure of information and communications by carriers and service providers, with permitted exceptions. Part 14 covers national interest matters and security obligations, and Part 15 sets the industry assistance framework (technical assistance requests and notices).
Why it matters
Part 13 is a key confidentiality rule for telecoms data in Australia; Parts 14 and 15 set security and law-enforcement assistance duties.
Refer to it when
Use it for disclosure of telecoms customer information, security duties of carriers, or agency requests for technical assistance.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 3 – Carrier licensing
- Part 6 – Industry codes and standards
- Part 13 – Protection of communications
- Part 14 – National interest matters
- Part 15 – Industry assistance
Applicability
Carriers, carriage service providers and others in the Australian telecoms industry.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied copy is Compilation No. 117 (4 June 2026), in 3 volumes. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Part 1 → Part 13 → Part 14 → Part 15.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Security
- Enforcement and penalties
- Registration and notification
No. 29, 2018 (Compilation No. 9, 4 June 2026)
Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018
CURRENT (amended)
What it covers
The Act defines critical infrastructure assets across sectors including energy, communications, data storage and processing, financial services, water, health, transport and food. It creates the Register of Critical Infrastructure Assets, critical infrastructure risk management programs, mandatory cyber security incident reporting, enhanced cyber security obligations for systems of national significance, ministerial directions, and last-resort government assistance powers.
Why it matters
It is Australia's main critical-infrastructure security law, with strict deadlines for reporting significant cyber incidents.
Refer to it when
Use it when an entity may own or operate a critical infrastructure asset in Australia, or for cyber incident reporting duties.
Provisions / sections covered
- Part 2 – Register of Critical Infrastructure Assets
- Part 2A – Risk management programs
- Part 2B – Notification of cyber security incidents
- Part 2C – Enhanced cyber security obligations
- Part 3A – Responding to serious incidents
Applicability
Owners and operators of critical infrastructure assets in Australia.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied copy is Compilation No. 9 (4 June 2026). Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Part 1 definitions → Part 2B → Part 2A → Part 2.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Low
- Cyber: Very High
- Data breach
- Security
- Enforcement and penalties
- AI cybersecurity
18 U.S.C. §§ 2701-2713 (2024 edition)
Stored Communications Act – 18 U.S.C. Chapter 121
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Chapter 121 makes it an offence to access a facility providing electronic communication service without authorisation and obtain stored communications. It limits providers' voluntary disclosure of the contents of communications and customer records, sets the process for government to compel disclosure (warrant, court order under section 2703(d) or subpoena), provides for backup preservation and delayed notice, and gives a civil action. Section 2713 (CLOUD Act) requires providers to preserve and disclose data within their control regardless of where it is stored.
Why it matters
It is the main US law on government and private access to emails and other stored electronic communications.
Refer to it when
Use it for law-enforcement requests to US providers, disclosure of customer communications, or access to data stored abroad by US providers.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2701 – Unlawful access
- Section 2702 – Voluntary disclosure
- Section 2703 – Required disclosure
- Section 2707 – Civil action
- Section 2713 – Data held abroad
Applicability
Providers of electronic communication and remote computing services, and US government entities.
Current validity
CURRENT. The supplied copy is the 2024 edition of the United States Code. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 2711 (definitions) → 2701 → 2702 → 2703 → 2713.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
18 U.S.C. § 2710 (in Chapter 121)
Video Privacy Protection Act – 18 U.S.C. § 2710
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Section 2710 bars a video tape service provider from knowingly disclosing personally identifiable information about a consumer, meaning information identifying a person as having requested or obtained specific video materials or services. Disclosure is allowed with informed, written consent (which may be electronic), under a warrant or court order, to the consumer, for ordinary course of business, and in limited marketing cases. It requires destruction of old records and gives a civil action with liquidated damages of $2,500.
Why it matters
It is frequently used in US class actions over sharing streaming or video-viewing data, including through website tracking pixels.
Refer to it when
Use it when a business shares what video content users watched, for consent wording, or for VPPA litigation risk.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2710(a) – Definitions
- Section 2710(b) – Prohibited disclosure
- Section 2710(c) – Civil action
- Section 2710(e) – Destruction of old records
Applicability
Businesses delivering prerecorded video material, including online streaming services.
Current validity
CURRENT. The text is in the supplied 18 U.S.C. Chapter 121 PDF (section 2710). Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 2710(a) → (b) → (c).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Low
- Consent
Public Law 114-113, Division N, Title I (18 December 2015)
Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015
CHECK CURRENT STATUS (sunset provision)
What it covers
The Act authorises private entities to monitor their own information systems, operate defensive measures and share cyber threat indicators and defensive measures with each other and with the federal government, mainly through the DHS capability. It requires removal of personal information not directly related to a threat before sharing, sets privacy and civil liberties guidelines, and gives liability protection, antitrust exemptions and FOIA exemptions for sharing done under the Act.
Why it matters
It is the legal basis for most voluntary private-to-government cyber threat sharing in the United States.
Refer to it when
Use it when sharing threat indicators with US agencies or peers, or assessing liability protection for that sharing.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 102 – Definitions
- Section 104 – Authorisations
- Section 105 – Sharing with the federal government
- Section 106 – Protection from liability
- Section 111 – Effective period
Applicability
Private entities and federal and non-federal government bodies sharing cyber threat information.
Current validity
The Act carried a sunset date of 30 September 2025 (section 111); check whether it has been extended before relying on it. The supplied PDF is the whole Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; the Act is in Division N, Title I. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 102 → 104 → 105 → 106 → 111.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Very High
- Lawful basis
- Surveillance
- AI cybersecurity
Public Law 113-283 (18 December 2014); 44 U.S.C. §§ 3551-3558
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA)
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
FISMA 2014 replaces 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35, Subchapter II. OMB oversees federal information security policy; DHS administers its implementation for civilian agencies, including binding operational directives and a federal information security incident center. Each agency head must run an agency-wide security programme based on risk, report major incidents to Congress, and have an annual independent evaluation by its Inspector General.
Why it matters
It is the core law on information security in US federal agencies and drives NIST standards use and federal contractor security requirements.
Refer to it when
Use it for security duties of US federal agencies, contractors operating federal systems, or federal incident reporting.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 3552 – Definitions
- Section 3553 – Authority of OMB and DHS
- Section 3554 – Agency responsibilities
- Section 3555 – Annual independent evaluation
- Section 3556 – Federal information security incident center
Applicability
US federal agencies and those operating information systems on their behalf.
Current validity
CURRENT. Enacted 18 December 2014. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 3552 → 3553 → 3554 → 3555.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Moderate
- Cyber: Very High
- Data breach
- Government data
- AI cybersecurity
12 U.S.C. §§ 3401-3423 (2024 edition)
Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act stops federal government authorities from getting access to a customer's financial records held by a financial institution unless the customer authorises it or the authority uses an administrative subpoena or summons, a search warrant, a judicial subpoena or a formal written request. The customer normally gets notice and may challenge the request in court; notice can be delayed in defined cases. Financial institutions must not release records until the authority certifies compliance. Exceptions, use restrictions and civil penalties follow.
Why it matters
It is the main federal limit on government access to bank records and sets the process banks follow when federal agencies seek customer data.
Refer to it when
Use it when a US federal agency asks a bank or card issuer for an individual customer's records.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 3401 – Definitions
- Section 3402 – Access prohibited; exceptions
- Section 3417 – Civil penalties
Applicability
US federal government authorities and financial institutions holding customer records.
Current validity
CURRENT. Enacted 1978, as amended. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 3401 → 3402 → 3405-3408 → 3409-3410 → 3413 (exceptions).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Low
- Security
- Government data
- Enforcement and penalties
15 U.S.C. §§ 6801-6827 (2024 edition)
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act – Privacy (15 U.S.C. Chapter 94)
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Subchapter I places on every financial institution a continuing duty to respect customer privacy and protect the security and confidentiality of nonpublic personal information. Institutions must give initial and annual privacy notices, must let consumers opt out before nonpublic personal information is disclosed to non-affiliated third parties, and may not share account numbers for marketing. Agencies make rules and enforce. Subchapter II makes it an offence to obtain customer information from a financial institution by false pretences (pretexting).
Why it matters
It is the federal baseline for privacy and security in US financial services and the source of the Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule.
Refer to it when
Use it for privacy notices, information sharing or security programmes of banks, lenders, insurers and other financial institutions.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 6801 – Protection of nonpublic personal information
- Section 6802 – Disclosure obligations
- Section 6803 – Privacy policy disclosure
- Section 6805 – Enforcement
- Section 6807 – Relation to State laws
- Section 6821 – Pretexting
Applicability
Financial institutions and those who receive nonpublic personal information from them.
Current validity
CURRENT. Enacted 1999 (Public Law 106-102), as amended. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 6809 (definitions) → 6801 → 6802 → 6803 → 6821.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Security
- Enforcement and penalties
18 U.S.C. §§ 2721-2725 (2024 edition)
Driver's Privacy Protection Act
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
A State department of motor vehicles may not knowingly disclose personal information from a motor vehicle record except for the permissible uses listed in section 2721(b), such as government functions, vehicle safety, legal proceedings and insurance. Highly restricted personal information such as photographs and medical information needs express consent. Resale and redisclosure are limited, false representations to obtain records are unlawful, and there are criminal fines and a civil action with liquidated damages.
Why it matters
It limits use of driver records for marketing, data brokerage and locating individuals.
Refer to it when
Use it when obtaining, using or reselling information from US State driver or vehicle records.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2721 – Prohibition and permissible uses
- Section 2722 – Additional unlawful acts
- Section 2723 – Penalties
- Section 2724 – Civil action
- Section 2725 – Definitions
Applicability
State motor vehicle departments and anyone who obtains or uses motor vehicle record information.
Current validity
CURRENT. Enacted 1994, as amended. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 2725 → 2721 → 2722 → 2724.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Low
- Consent
- Security
- Enforcement and penalties
Public Law 119-12 (19 May 2025)
TAKE IT DOWN Act
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Section 2 amends section 223 of the Communications Act to make it an offence to knowingly publish, using an interactive computer service, an intimate visual depiction of an identifiable individual without consent, including a digital forgery, with separate rules for minors and for threats. Section 3 requires covered platforms to set up a process for an identifiable individual to request removal and to remove the depiction, and known identical copies, within 48 hours of a valid request. Failure to comply is treated as an unfair or deceptive practice enforced by the FTC.
Why it matters
It is the first federal law aimed directly at AI-generated intimate deepfakes and places removal duties on platforms.
Refer to it when
Use it for nonconsensual intimate images or deepfakes, or for a platform's removal process in the US.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2 – Criminal prohibition
- Section 3 – Notice and removal
- Section 3 – FTC enforcement
- Section 4 – Definitions
Applicability
Anyone publishing intimate depictions; covered platforms hosting user-generated content.
Current validity
CURRENT. Enacted 19 May 2025; platforms had one year from enactment to set up the removal process. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 4 (definitions) → Section 2 → Section 3.
- AI: High
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Low
- Consent
- Security
- Enforcement and penalties
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 603A
NRS Chapter 603A – Security and Privacy of Personal Information
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The first part applies to data collectors holding personal information of Nevada residents: secure destruction of records, reasonable security measures, encryption for data collectors that accept payment cards or move personal information outside their secure system, and notice to residents after a breach of the security of the system data. A later part applies to operators of internet websites and online services: they must post a notice of the covered information collected and must not sell covered information of a consumer who has opted out. The Attorney General enforces.
Why it matters
It combines one of the earliest US encryption mandates with Nevada's online privacy notice and opt-out-of-sale rules.
Refer to it when
Use it for security, encryption, breach notice or online privacy notices involving Nevada residents.
Applicability
Data collectors and online operators handling personal or covered information of Nevada residents.
Current validity
CURRENT. As amended. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
NRS 603A.010-.040 → .210 → .215 → .220 → .340-.345.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Data breach
- Security
Md. Code, Commercial Law, Title 14, Subtitle 35
Maryland Personal Information Protection (Commercial Law §14-3501 onward)
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
Section 14-3501 defines business, encrypted, personal information and related terms. The subtitle requires businesses to take reasonable steps when destroying records, to implement reasonable security procedures, to require service providers to do the same, and after discovering a breach of the security of a system to investigate and notify affected Maryland residents and the Attorney General. Violations are unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Why it matters
It is Maryland's data security and breach notification law for any business holding residents' personal information.
Refer to it when
Use it for a security incident or security programme involving personal information of Maryland residents.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 14-3501 – Definitions
- Section 14-3502 – Destruction of records
- Section 14-3503 – Security procedures
- Section 14-3504 – Breach investigation and notification
Applicability
Businesses that own, license or maintain personal information of Maryland residents.
Current validity
CURRENT. As amended. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 14-3501 → 14-3503 → 14-3504. The supplied PDF contains section 14-3501 only; read the remaining sections in the full subtitle.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Data breach
- Health data
- Enforcement and penalties
Iowa Code Chapter 715D
Iowa Consumer Data Protection Act
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The chapter applies to persons doing business in Iowa that control or process personal data of at least 100,000 consumers, or of 25,000 consumers while deriving over half of gross revenue from selling personal data. Consumers may confirm processing, access, delete and obtain a copy of their data and opt out of sale. Controllers must limit processing, keep security practices, give notice before processing sensitive data and offer an opt-out, and publish a privacy notice. Processors work under contract. The Attorney General enforces exclusively, after a 90-day cure period, with civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation.
Why it matters
It is Iowa's comprehensive consumer privacy law, among the more business-friendly US State models.
Refer to it when
Use it when processing personal data of Iowa consumers above the thresholds.
Applicability
Controllers and processors meeting the Iowa thresholds.
Current validity
CURRENT. In force from 1 January 2025. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
715D.1 → 715D.2 → 715D.3 → 715D.4 → 715D.8.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Sensitive data
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
6 Del. C. Chapter 12D
Delaware Personal Data Privacy Act
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act applies to persons doing business in Delaware that control or process personal data of at least 35,000 consumers, or of 10,000 consumers while deriving over 20 percent of gross revenue from selling personal data. Consumers may confirm, access, correct, delete and port data, obtain a list of third parties, and opt out of targeted advertising, sale and profiling with significant effects. Controllers need consent for sensitive data, must recognise universal opt-out signals, publish a privacy notice and carry out data protection assessments. The Department of Justice enforces.
Why it matters
It has some of the lowest applicability thresholds among US State privacy laws and broad sensitive data rules.
Refer to it when
Use it when processing personal data of Delaware consumers.
Applicability
Controllers and processors meeting the Delaware thresholds.
Current validity
CURRENT. In force from 1 January 2025. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
§ 12D-102 → 12D-103 → 12D-104 → 12D-106 → 12D-111.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Profiling
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
Tex. Bus. & Com. Code Chapter 541
Texas Data Privacy and Security Act
CURRENT / IN FORCE
What it covers
The Act applies to persons doing business in Texas or producing products or services consumed by Texans that process or sell personal data and are not small businesses (small businesses still need consent before selling sensitive data). Consumers may confirm, access, correct, delete and port data and opt out of targeted advertising, sale and profiling. Controllers need consent for sensitive data, must give privacy notices, disclose sale of sensitive or biometric data, and conduct data protection assessments. Processors work under contract. The Attorney General enforces exclusively after a 30-day cure period, with civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation.
Why it matters
It is the privacy law of one of the largest US State economies and applies without a revenue or volume threshold.
Refer to it when
Use it when processing personal data of Texas consumers.
Applicability
Businesses processing personal data of Texas consumers, other than small businesses (except for sensitive data sales).
Current validity
CURRENT. In force from 1 July 2024. Read the official PDF on this page for the operative text.
Read first
Section 541.001 → 541.002 → Subchapter B → Subchapter C → Subchapter E.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Profiling
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Enforcement and penalties
RCW Chapter 19.373
Washington My Health My Data Act
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Protects reasonably linkable consumer health information, including mental and physical health, reproductive care, biometrics, genetics, health-indicative location and health information inferred from other data using algorithms or machine learning. It regulates privacy disclosures, collection and sharing, consumer requests, security, processors, sales and certain health-facility geofences.
Why it matters
Addresses health-data privacy outside the information protected by HIPAA and other listed regimes. Small businesses are covered; information-level exemptions must not be mistaken for blanket exemptions for every record held by a health-care organisation.
Refer to it when
Research health apps, health-related advertising, inferred health profiles, consumer health-data sales or location tracking involving Washington residents or data collected in Washington.
Applicability
Washington residents and individuals whose consumer health data is collected in Washington, subject to the consumer, regulated-entity and small-business definitions and RCW 19.373.100 exclusions.
Read first
RCW 19.373.010 → .100 (exemptions) → .020-.040 → .050-.080 → .090.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Health data
- Employment data
- Enforcement and penalties
47 CFR Part 64, Subpart U
FCC Customer Proprietary Network Information (CPNI) Rules
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Implements section 222 of the Communications Act for telecommunications carriers, including interconnected VoIP providers. Covers permitted CPNI uses, approval methods, notices, internal safeguards, customer authentication, account changes and breach reporting.
Why it matters
Distinguishes carrier customer-information duties from general internet privacy and from government access to stored communications. Customers can be individuals or entities, not only household consumers.
Refer to it when
Research carrier marketing with call/customer data, CPNI consent, customer account authentication, SIM changes or carrier breaches.
Applicability
Telecommunications carriers and interconnected VoIP providers handling CPNI, subject to the subpart’s permitted uses and specific exceptions.
Read first
§§ 64.2001, 64.2003 → .2005-.2008 → .2009-.2010 (including (h)(9)) → .2011 and its amendment notices.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Data breach
- Enforcement and penalties
17 CFR Part 248
SEC Regulations S-P, S-AM and S-ID
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Regulation S-P addresses nonpublic personal financial information, privacy notices, nonaffiliate disclosure/opt-out, safeguards, response and disposal. S-AM controls certain affiliate marketing solicitations. S-ID requires covered-account identity-theft programmes and card-issuer address-change checks.
Why it matters
The three subparts serve different functions and have different scope tests. A service-provider breach notice to a covered institution is not the same as reporting a breach to the SEC.
Refer to it when
Research a securities firm’s financial privacy notices, security incident response, affiliate marketing or identity-theft programme.
Applicability
S-P’s ordinary privacy provisions cover listed brokers, dealers, investment companies and SEC-registered advisers; safeguards/disposal definitions differ. S-ID applies to covered financial institutions or creditors with covered accounts, not automatically every registrant.
Read first
§ 248.1 → .3-.15 → .30 including definitions → .101 and .120-.128 → .201-.202 and Subpart C Appendix A.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Very High
- Data breach
- Retention
16 CFR Part 313
FTC Privacy of Consumer Financial Information Rule
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Privacy notices and specified nonaffiliated-third-party disclosures of consumers’ nonpublic personal financial information. The supplied § 313.1(b) limits FTC rulemaking coverage to qualifying motor-vehicle dealers described in 12 U.S.C. 5519, rather than every financial institution.
Why it matters
Avoids confusing the FTC’s notice/sharing rule with its broader financial security rule or another regulator’s implementing regulations. Annual notices and opt-outs have express exceptions.
Refer to it when
Research a qualifying motor-vehicle dealer’s privacy notice, financial-information sharing or consumer opt-out arrangements.
Applicability
The FTC rulemaking-authority motor-vehicle institutions described in § 313.1(b), subject to the statutory dealer exclusions and personal-purpose information test.
Read first
§ 313.1(b) → .3 → .4-.9 → .10-.15 → Appendix A where a model notice is used.
- AI: Low
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Low
16 CFR Part 318
FTC Health Breach Notification Rule
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Breach notifications for unsecured identifiable personal health record information. Covers qualifying foreign and domestic PHR vendors, PHR-related entities and third-party service providers maintaining US citizens’ or residents’ information. Unauthorised disclosures can be breaches, not just hacking.
Why it matters
Provides a distinct notification regime outside HIPAA for services satisfying the PHR and related-entity definitions. Not every health app automatically meets those tests.
Refer to it when
Research an unauthorised acquisition or disclosure involving a qualifying health app, personal health record or connected service.
Applicability
Entities meeting the PHR/vendor/related-entity/service-provider definitions and holding unsecured identifiable PHR health information, with the express HIPAA activity exclusions.
Read first
§§ 318.1-.2 → .3-.4 → .5-.6 → .7-.9.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Data breach
- Controller and processor
- Health data
- Enforcement and penalties
16 CFR Part 314
FTC Safeguards Rule
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Risk-based administrative, technical and physical protection of customer information through a written security programme, a Qualified Individual, risk assessments, controls, testing, staff training, provider oversight, response and reporting.
Why it matters
Covers FTC-jurisdiction financial institutions, including listed nonbank financial businesses, rather than all banks or businesses. Information held about other institutions’ customers can also be covered.
Refer to it when
Research financial-sector security programmes, encryption/MFA, service-provider contracts, incident response or FTC notification events.
Applicability
Financial institutions within FTC rulemaking/enforcement jurisdiction under the cited GLBA provisions, including customer information possessed on behalf of other institutions.
Read first
§ 314.1 → .2 → .3-.4 → .6; inspect the notification-event definition with .4(j).
- AI: Low
- Privacy: High
- Cyber: Very High
- Data breach
- Enforcement and penalties
34 CFR Part 99; 20 U.S.C. 1232g
FERPA Regulations - Family Educational Rights and Privacy
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Education-record privacy at covered educational agencies and institutions receiving funds under programmes administered by the Secretary. Establishes rights, annual notification, inspection/review, amendment/hearing procedures, consent, disclosure exceptions, redisclosure limits and enforcement.
Why it matters
Determines when student-record services and outsourced institutional functions can receive information. The school-official exception requires direct institutional control and legitimate educational interests; it does not authorise unrestricted vendor AI training.
Refer to it when
Research student records, parent/eligible-student requests, educational service providers, studies, directory information or emergency disclosures.
Applicability
Educational agencies/institutions meeting § 99.1 funding and function tests and relevant recipients of education-record information; not every school or education app automatically.
Read first
§§ 99.1, .3, .5, .7 → .10 → .30-.37 → .60-.67.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: Moderate
- Consent
- Enforcement and penalties
16 CFR Part 312; 15 U.S.C. 6501-6506
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule)
Status not verified beyond supplied text
What it covers
Covered child-directed online services and actual-knowledge situations involving under-13 children’s personal information. Requires notices, verifiable parental consent, parent controls, collection limitation, security, purpose-limited retention and safe-harbour oversight.
Why it matters
The supplied rule includes the 2025 revisions, including biometric identifiers and stronger programme/retention requirements. It is not a universal under-18 privacy rule and does not make every online collection subject to identical consent rules.
Refer to it when
Research children’s apps, games, online identifiers, voice/biometric processing, parental consent, third-party disclosure or data retention.
Applicability
Operators and collections meeting the rule’s child-directed, mixed-audience, actual-knowledge and commercial coverage definitions and relevant exceptions.
Read first
§§ 312.2-.5 → .6-.8 → .10 → .11 where a safe harbour is used.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Children's data
- Erasure and deletion
- Biometrics
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
Act 20/2017
Data Protection Act 2017 - Mauritius
Enacted and commenced as recorded in the supplied Act
What it covers
Personal-data processing through principles, controller/processor registration, Commissioner oversight, consent and other lawful bases, security, breach notifications, risk assessments, overseas transfers and individual rights. Includes high-risk new technology and solely automated decisions.
Why it matters
Provides Mauritius’s national privacy framework. Its own territorial, transfer and child-consent rules must be read directly rather than assumed to match GDPR wording.
Refer to it when
Research processing in Mauritius, controller/processor registration, sensitive or child data, security incidents, international transfers or significant automated decisions.
Provisions / sections covered
- Sections 42-58 and Schedule - Enforcement and closing provisions
Applicability
Controllers and processors within section 3’s automated/filing-system and territorial/equipment tests, including State processing; check section 44 and the domestic-use/transit qualifications.
Read first
Sections 3, 14, 44 → 21-26 → 28-31 → 34-40 → 42-43 and 51.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Children's data
- Erasure and deletion
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data localisation
- Controller and processor
Data Protection Bill, 2025 (125 draft clauses)
Ghana Data Protection Bill, 2025 - Draft
Draft / proposed legislation; enactment not established by supplied PDF
What it covers
Would establish a Data Protection Authority and expand accountability, lawful processing, security, DPIAs, legitimate-interest assessments, rights, registration/DPOs, accreditation and international transfers. Draft clause 53 specifically addresses emerging technologies and clause 65 automated decision-taking.
Why it matters
Supports research into proposed reform, not a statement of existing duties. Its proposed repeal of Act 843 must not be read as an accomplished repeal; draft penalties and institutional powers are not asserted to apply now.
Refer to it when
Research Ghana’s proposed reform, potential emerging-technology/AI data safeguards, expanded rights or draft transfer/localisation provisions.
Applicability
Proposed scope only: read draft clause 1’s domestic, foreign targeting/profiling, equipment/processor and originating-information connections, and clauses 98-112 exemptions.
Read first
Draft clauses 1-2 → 37-53 → 54-68 → 84 → 93-97 → 122-125.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Lawful basis
- Consent
- Children's data
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Security
- Cross-border transfers
- Data localisation
- Data protection officer
Act 843
Ghana Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843)
Data Protection Act, 2012
Enacted text; separate commencement notice not included
What it covers
Establishes the Data Protection Commission and regulates personal-data processing through minimality, lawful justification, purpose, notice, retention, data quality, security, registration and individual rights. Includes special personal data, direct marketing and automated decision-taking.
Why it matters
This is the enacted Act 843 source, distinct from the library’s proposed 2025 bill. A proposed repeal in a draft does not establish that this Act has been repealed.
Refer to it when
Research Ghanaian processing principles, controller registration, access/correction, special personal data, direct marketing, automated decisions or security compromises.
Applicability
Read section 45’s establishment/equipment connections and exclusions, section 91 on State application and sections 60-74 exemptions. Section 18(2) separately addresses foreign data subjects; this is not simplified into a universal GDPR-style transfer rule.
Read first
Sections 45, 91 and exemptions → 17-31 → 32-44 → 46-58 → 75-80 → 99.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Automated decision-making
- Security
- Controller and processor
- Direct marketing
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
Act 2019-29
Barbados Data Protection Act, 2019-29
Enacted text; commencement proclamation not included
What it covers
Processing principles and lawful bases, children and sensitive data, individual rights, international transfers, exemptions, controller/processor registration, accountability, security, breaches, impact assessments, privacy officers and enforcement.
Why it matters
Combines rights, profiling safeguards and operational accountability. The statute’s own scope and exemptions apply; resemblance to GDPR does not make GDPR universally applicable in Barbados.
Refer to it when
Research Barbados personal-data processing, automated profiling, portability, overseas transfers, registration, security incidents or privacy-officer duties.
Applicability
Section 3 application tests and sections 29-49 exemptions must be read before relying on duties; controller and processor obligations are distinct.
Read first
Section 3 → 4-9 → 10-28 → applicable exemptions → 50-69 → 90-95 and 100.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Erasure and deletion
- Data portability
- Profiling
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
Law No. 18.331
Uruguay Personal Data Protection Law No. 18.331
Ley No. 18.331 - Protección de Datos Personales y Acción de Habeas Data
Enacted annotated text; present consolidation not independently verified
What it covers
Personal-data protection as a fundamental right, principles, access and correction, challenges to automated evaluations, communication of data, specially protected data, overseas transfers, database obligations, regulatory oversight and habeas data proceedings.
Why it matters
Article 16 directly protects individuals against significant automated evaluations and provides information about evaluation criteria and the programme used. The uploaded annotations must not be mistaken for the untouched 2008 wording.
Refer to it when
Research Uruguay’s personal-data rights, automated credit/employment evaluations, sensitive data, transfers, database registration or habeas data.
Applicability
Public and private personal-data databases and processing within articles 2-4, with domestic-use and other statutory exclusions. Special public/security-sector provisions require separate reading.
Read first
Articles 2-4 → 5-17 → 18-23 → 24-36 → 37 onward.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Cross-border transfers
- Employment data
- Registration and notification
- Accountability
Law 1581 of 2012
Colombia Statutory Law 1581 of 2012
Ley Estatutaria 1581 de 2012
Enacted statutory text; publisher does not guarantee current validity
What it covers
General personal-data protection principles, sensitive and children’s data, data-subject authorisation and rights, notices, consultation/claim procedures, controller and processor duties, SIC oversight, sanctions, database registration and transfers.
Why it matters
The general framework has special-scope exclusions and implementing regulations. It should not be treated as a self-contained consolidation of every Colombian sectoral privacy requirement.
Refer to it when
Research Colombian processing authorisation, sensitive data, children, access/correction, complaints, controller/processor duties, sanctions or cross-border disclosures.
Applicability
Processing registered in databases by public/private entities within article 2, including the specified territorial and international-law connections; statutory exclusions remain subject to the law’s principles where indicated.
Read first
Articles 2-4 → 5-13 → 14-18 → 19-26 → 28.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Cross-border transfers
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
- Registration and notification
- Transparency
Act No. 9 of 2022
Sri Lanka Personal Data Protection Act, No. 9 of 2022
Status not verified: read with Act 22/2025 and relevant Gazette orders
What it covers
Lawful personal-data processing, purpose and proportionality, accuracy, retention, integrity/confidentiality, transparency, management programmes, rights, automated decisions, officers, processors, breaches, risk assessments, transfers and enforcement.
Why it matters
The original Act remains necessary for the provisions not replaced by the 2025 amendment, but its original commencement and cross-border text must not be presented as the amended law.
Refer to it when
Research Sri Lankan processing, rights, automated decisions, security, DPIAs, overseas data flows or Authority powers; read the linked amendment alongside it.
Applicability
Section 2 territorial/offering/monitoring tests, domestic-use exclusion and applicable exceptions; schedules and controller/processor roles must be considered separately.
Read first
Act 22/2025 section 2 → Act 9/2022 sections 2-12 → amended 17-20 and 24-26 → section 23 → Authority provisions.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Erasure and deletion
- Automated decision-making
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Retention
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
Act No. 22 of 2025
Sri Lanka Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act, No. 22 of 2025
Status not verified: principal-law operation depends on Gazette orders
What it covers
Amendments to commencement, management programmes, rights-request decisions, automated decisions, restrictions, officers, risk assessments, consultation, international data flow, Authority guidelines, delegated powers, definitions and Schedule VI.
Why it matters
Prevents reliance on superseded wording in the original 2022 attachment. This amendment supplies changes, not the full principal Act or all commencement orders.
Refer to it when
Determine which 2022 provisions changed, how commencement is appointed, updated rights procedures and cross-border safeguards.
Provisions / sections covered
- Section 2 - Commencement
- Section 16 - Language priority
Applicability
Amends Act 9/2022; the principal Act’s application, exceptions and remaining provisions still apply. Section 26’s prescribed public-authority restrictions are not a blanket localisation requirement for all controllers.
Read first
Section 2 → sections 3-7 with principal rights → sections 8-10 with principal risk/transfer duties → 11-15.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Automated decision-making
- Cross-border transfers
- Data localisation
- Controller and processor
Law No. 24 of 2023
Jordan Personal Data Protection Law No. 24 of 2023
Enacted text; Gazette publication-based effective date not established by supplied copy
What it covers
Personal and sensitive data, prior consent and lawful exceptions, rights including objections to unnecessary or discriminatory profiling, processing standards, transparency, erasure, officers, confidentiality, data exchange, foreign transfers and institutional enforcement.
Why it matters
Consent conditions are in article 5, exceptions in article 6 and pre-processing information in article 9; these provisions must not be conflated. Profiling rights make this privacy law relevant to AI without classifying it as an AI Act.
Refer to it when
Research Jordanian consent, profiling, subject rights, controller/processor safeguards, officer appointments or foreign transfers.
Applicability
Personal-data processing within article 3, subject to the personal-purpose exclusion and article 6 grounds; specific sensitive-data and officer requirements must be assessed separately.
Read first
Articles 2-3 → 4-7 → 8-13 → 14-15 → 16 onward.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Erasure and deletion
- Profiling
- Data protection officer
- Controller and processor
- Enforcement and penalties
- Surveillance
- Transparency
- Accountability
Royal Decree 6/2022 and attached Personal Data Protection Law
Oman Personal Data Protection Law - Royal Decree 6/2022
Enacted text; publication-based commencement and later regulations not independently verified
What it covers
The decree enacts the attached law, delegates executive regulations and repeals specified electronic-transactions privacy provisions. The attached law regulates consent, sensitive data, children, rights, safeguards, records, breaches, officers, marketing, overseas transfers and offences.
Why it matters
Many practical controls and procedures are delegated to regulations. The source alone cannot supply every deadline, permit procedure or transfer condition.
Refer to it when
Research Oman personal-data consent, sensitive-data permits, children, security incidents, officers, marketing consent or cross-border transfers.
Applicability
Processed personal data under article 2, with article 3 exclusions including specified public/security duties, vital interests, research, personal/family use and qualifying public data; these are not blanket exclusions for all commercial processing.
Read first
Decree I-IV → law 2-6 → 10-16 → 17-23 → applicable offence provisions.
- AI: Moderate
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Sensitive data
- Children's data
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Controller and processor
- Biometrics
- Enforcement and penalties
Law No. 91/2025/QH15
Vietnam Personal Data Protection Law No. 91/2025/QH15
In force from 1 January 2026 as stated in supplied law; later implementation not verified
What it covers
Data-subject rights and processing principles, consent and exceptions, collection, encryption, correction, deletion/de-identification, disclosure, transfers, impact dossiers, notifications, vulnerable persons and sectoral safeguards. Articles 30-32 specifically address AI/big data, location/biometrics and recording/filming.
Why it matters
A national privacy law with express AI-data provisions, not a general AI framework. Transitional recognition of Decree 13 consents and dossiers does not mean the two instruments are duplicates or that every earlier duty is unchanged.
Refer to it when
Research Vietnamese personal data, AI/big-data processing, location/biometrics, employee/health/financial data, overseas transfers, impact dossiers or breach notifications.
Applicability
Article 1 domestic and specified foreign processing connections. Article 38 exceptions concern only named provisions and do not remove general rights, consent, security or sectoral duties.
Read first
Articles 1-4 → 7-10 and 19 → 20-23 → relevant sector 24-32 → 38-39.
- AI: High
- Privacy: Very High
- Cyber: High
- Consent
- Children's data
- Data subject rights
- Erasure and deletion
- Impact assessment
- Data breach
- Cross-border transfers
- Biometrics
- Employment data
- Anonymisation