# Latin American debt collection and data protection updates

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-debt-collection-and-data-protection-updates
> Updated: 2026-08-20T23:39:02.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Regulators and legislators in Latin America are implementing new rules to govern data protection and debt-collection practices.

In Uruguay, authorities updated the legal framework for international personal data transfers, clarifying obligations for entities such as cloud-service providers. In Costa Rica, the Data Protection Agency (Prodhab) issued a directive to regulate how personal data is used during debt collection. This new rule, prompted by numerous complaints regarding third-party contact, mandates informed consent for involving third parties and prohibits sending collection notices to unrelated individuals.

Efforts to manage debt collection continue in other regions. In Argentina, legislative proposals have been introduced to regulate extrajudicial collection agencies through a mandatory registry and licensing system to prevent harassment of debtors' families or colleagues. Meanwhile, in Peru, legal experts highlight the risks of judicialization in debt collection, noting that processes involving high-value secured loans can lead to asset liquidation and exclusion from the credit system.

## Claims

- Judicial action for debt in Peru is typically reserved for high amounts. (single source)
- Judicialization of debt in Peru often involves debts backed by guarantees, such as mortgages or vehicle loans. (single source)
- Legislator Leandro Santoro proposed a project to regulate extrajudicial collection agencies in Buenos Aires. (single source)
- The Santoro proposal includes creating a mandatory registry and a licensing system for collection agencies. (single source)
- Collection agencies have the legal right to demand the total amount of a legitimate debt. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Debt collection regulations and legal risks vary across Peru, Argentina, and the US

Global reports highlight varying debt collection landscapes: Peru focuses on judicialization for high-value secured debts, Argentina seeks to regulate agency harassment, and US advice emphasizes debt validation

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/debt-collection-regulations-and-legal-risks-vary-across-peru-argentina-and-the-us

### 2026-07-23: Latin American Data‑Protection Regulators Issue New Rules on International Transfers and Debt‑Collection Practices

Uruguay updated its rules for international personal data transfers, while Costa Rica introduced a directive banning third‑party contact in debt‑collection communications.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/latin-american-dataprotection-regulators-issue-new-rules-on-international-transfers-and-debtcollecti

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Cite as: Latin American debt collection and data protection updates. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/latin-american-debt-collection-and-data-protection-updates