Roundup: data law, cybersecurity, fines, and more

Data law

Colombia's data law, which also covers artificial intelligence, was approved in the third parliamentary debate and will now be debated in the senate.

The law would establish a regulatory framework for the use and exchange of the State's data infrastructure and is aimed at improving the interoperability of information systems between public entities.

It also establishes oversight by state agencies to promote decision-making, effective social programs, and strengthen data privacy and security.

Public consultation

The ICT ministry has extended until December 4 the deadline for comments on the resolution that determines next year's rate for the single periodic consideration for the provision of telecoms networks and services.

The proposal involves a 2% fee on gross revenues generated by networks or services.

Comments may be submitted via proyectos.normativos.dicom@mintic.gov.co.

Cybersecurity

Paraguay and the US Southern Command completed a joint cybersecurity review of the former's government networks.

During the review, Chinese espionage group Flax Typhoon was caught infiltrating the government system, according to a joint statement.

The review is part of a series of initiatives to strengthen Paraguay's digital security, improve cyber defenses and mitigate damage from external threats.

Designation

Paraguay's President Santiago Peña has appointed Klaus Pistilli as deputy minister of technology.

Pistilli joined the civil service in 2013 as head of the information office at the e-government department and subsequently worked in other areas related to the digital transformation of the State.

In addition, he is a substitute adviser to science and technology council Conacyt. 

Between 2007 and 2012, Pistilli worked on technological projects for financial institutions, payment networks and telecoms companies.

Fines

Costa Rica's telecoms regulator Sutel fined Transdatelecom and Cable Arenal del Lago for failing to notify an economic concentration.

The fine is 0.15% of gross telecoms services revenues. The funds will go to national fund Fonatel and be reinvested in telecoms development programs.

Radiation

The ministries of health and science, innovation, technology and telecoms announced the entry into force of a new regulation on non-ionizing emissions from wireless systems with frequencies up to 300GHz.

The legislation updates Costa Rica's rules on exposure limits in relation to radiation emitted by mobile phones, telecoms antennas and Wi-Fi networks, and aligns them with international standards.