Brazil President Signs Legislation to Extend Right to Privacy

The Brazilian president, Dilma Rousseff, recently signed into law Brazilian Law No. 12.965 (also known as the “Marco Civil da Internet”). The law, which goes into effect in late June, is Brazil’s first set of Internet regulations and creates an “Internet Bill of Rights.” It was created with the purpose of protecting privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet. The law includes a net neutrality provision that bars internet providers from charging Brazilians more for data-heavy services. The law was created in light of the country’s concerns of other governments' surveillance of Brazil and its people (including President Rousseff). The law does not require Internet companies to store Brazilian users’ data in Brazil. However it does say that such companies are accountable to Brazilian law and courts, and contains provisions that require reasonable security to protect personal information. 

Tip: This law is one in many that we are seeing that require protection for personal information in an online environment, and serves as a reminder for companies to look at their data protection measures.