Why Data Privacy Compliance Matters in El Salvador
El Salvador’s data privacy law officially took effect in November 2024. It’s still early to tell how enforcement will unfold, but many companies are already taking action. Industry groups and chambers of commerce are training members and working on sector-specific guidance.
If your company processes personal data from people in El Salvador, you need to understand this law and start building your compliance plan.
The law gives people the right to:
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Access their personal data
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Correct or delete inaccurate information
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Object to how their data is used
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Revoke consent at any time
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Request data portability
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Be forgotten (erasure)
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Limit how their data is processed
Companies must:
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Get clear, informed consent before processing personal data
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Follow core privacy principles like transparency, data minimization, and security
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Notify the Attorney General’s office and affected individuals if a data breach occurs
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Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
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Publish a clear and accessible privacy notice
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Use proper safeguards when transferring data across borders
Even if enforcement is just beginning, this law sets the tone for data privacy in El Salvador. Getting ahead now will save time, reduce risk, and build trust.
About El Salvador's Data Privacy Law
The Ley de Protección de Datos Personales aims to protect personal data in an age of digital technology. It gives Salvadorans control over their information and reinforces their right to privacy.
Who must comply?
Any organization that collects, uses, stores, or processes the personal information of people in El Salvador—no matter where the company is based.
What kind of data is protected?
All personal data, including sensitive information like health, political views, or biometric details.
Whether you’re a global company or a local business, if you handle Salvadoran data, this law applies to you.
How Oso Helps You Comply
Deliverable Based Services
Policies, procedures, internal guidelines, and more.
Risk Assessment
We help you identify, assess, and address privacy risks.
Employee Training
Training tailored to your team and your industry.
AI Governance
Ensure ethical and compliant AI use.
At Oso, we help companies design and implement privacy programs that meet El Salvador’s legal requirements and fit their business operations. Whether you're starting from scratch or updating what you already have, we guide you through the process.
Third Party Management
We'll help you make sure your vendors handle data the correct way.
Data Privacy Officer (DPO)
We offer fractional or full-service data support.
Privacy Audits
Get a clear picture of where you stand in terms of compliance.
Our Approach
Every client is different, so our process starts with understanding your business.
If you already have a privacy program:
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We review your current practices
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Identify any gaps based on El Salvador’s law
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Build a mitigation plan with clear short-, mid-, and long-term priorities
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Help you implement changes through strategy, documentation, and training
If you’re starting from scratch:
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We run a gap analysis based on your data practices
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Identify what needs to be built and in what order
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Help you develop a plan, create the documents, and implement changes
Even for a single deliverable—like a website privacy policy—we take the time to learn about your data handling. That way, your documents reflect your real-world practices and not just boilerplate language.
Serving El Salvador with Expertise and Excellence
Even though El Salvador’s data privacy law is new, we’ve already been working with local companies to get ahead of it. We’ve been helping organizations understand what the law requires and build smart, flexible strategies to comply.
We also bring broader experience from across Latin America. El Salvador’s law follows patterns we’ve seen in other regional regulations—so we’re not starting from scratch.
With Oso, you get practical, localized support backed by real-world experience.
Common Questions (FAQ)
Is consent required for all data processing?
Yes. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and active. It can be verbal or written, as long as there’s proof. However, for processing sensitive data, written consent is required.
What qualifies as sensitive personal data?
Sensitive data includes things like:
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Health and medical information
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Political affiliation
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Biometric or genetic data
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Information that could lead to discrimination or harm if misused
Is consent permanent?
No. Consent can be revoked at any time, and companies must respect that choice
Do I need a DPO?
Yes. All organizations processing personal information must appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO helps ensure compliance, handles data subject requests, trains employees, and maintains internal documentation.
CONTACT
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