Chile Senate advances personal data law

Chile’s Senate Constitution Committee approved the idea of moving forward with a bill that would delay the entry into force of Law No. 21.719 on personal data protection. The initiative also seeks to change the future Personal Data Protection Agency and comes alongside a separate proposal involving foreign digital platforms with a significant presence in Chile.

What changes with the delay to Law 21.719?

The proposal would push the law’s effective date to December 2027, although the legal schedule remains set for December 1, 2026 unless the reform is approved and published. According to Varela Abogados, approval in general does not by itself change that date.

During the committee debate, lawmakers raised an unconfirmed alternative for phased implementation. Under that option, the substantive rights and obligations would remain in force from December 1, 2026, while the Personal Data Protection Agency’s inspection and sanctioning powers would be postponed for 12 months, according to Jara del Favero Abogados.

How would the Data Protection Agency change?

The proposal would expand the agency’s governing council from three members to five and establish partial renewal every two years. That adjustment is part of the same legislative package the Senate is reviewing to change how the new regime is rolled out.

What initiative affects foreign platforms?

A bill introduced by Senator Daniella Cicardini would require foreign digital platforms with a significant presence in Chile to establish a domicile in the country, appoint a legal representative and register in a public registry. The initiative is Bill No. 18,618-19 and, according to Diario Constitucional, it also includes fines of 20,000 UTM.