Chile: Pacific Alliance and Singapore Free Trade Agreement, including data protection provisions was signed

On 26 January 2022, the Pacific Alliance and Singapore Free Trade Agreement (PASFTA) was signed by Singapore, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. Chapter 13 on Electronic Commerce of the agreement establishes rules for personal data protection among the Parties. Article 13.11 of the Chapter emphasises the protection of personal information in the context of electronic commerce. The provision applies to businesses engaged in digital trade that handle users’ personal data, requiring each Party to adopt or maintain a legal framework to safeguard such information. It encourages Parties to consider relevant international principles and to apply protections in a non-discriminatory manner. The Article also promotes the development of mechanisms, including international frameworks or mutual recognition arrangements, to enhance compatibility between different data protection regimes, and encourages the exchange of information on such mechanisms.