Published 8 July 2008 in LatinLawyer.com.ar

 Argentina has introduced a new law to tackle computer crime as part of its tightened data protection regime. The law, viagra 40mg which came into force last week, diet criminalises illegal access to computer systems, computer fraud and damage to information and software, as well as disseminating computer viruses. Pablo Palazzi, a data protection and IP lawyer at Allende & Brea in Buenos Aires, was involved in the drafting of the law in the Senate, which followed a three-year legislative debate. He explains the new law also makes it illegal to open, access or publish an email or a document without authorisation of the sender. “This is very important for the protection of privacy in electronic communications,” he says. “The implications for businesses are also clear: companies must carefully revise their privacy policies to be sure they are entitled to access email accounts and monitor web surfing habits of their employees.”

Palazzi feels the law is a positive step: “It covers most of the crimes set out in international law regarding computer crimes, such as those lain out in the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention. However, we have yet to enact a new copyright law to comply with the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s Copyright Treaty, and legislate digital rights management and technologies, but that is another pending issue.”

Palazzi considers Argentina to be ahead of the pack for data protection in Latin America. “Argentina is the only country which is recognised by the EU as having adequate data protection policies. It is a kind of safe haven for sending company information, especially for Spanish companies. It is also for this reason a clear investment advantage.” Palazzi moved to Allende & Brea from Cabanellas, Etchebarne, Kelly & Dell’Oro Maini Abogados on 1 July. AVS