Yes, scraping public data in Colombia is generally permitted, but strict compliance with data protection and access laws is mandatory. Publicly available information may be collected, yet automated extraction risks violating privacy or sector-specific regulations, as enforced by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) and the 2026 draft guidelines on algorithmic transparency.
Key Regulations for Scraping Public Data in Colombia
- Ley 1581 of 2012 (Habeas Data Law): Prohibits processing personal data without explicit consent, even if publicly accessible. Scrapers must anonymize or pseudonymize identifiable information to avoid SIC penalties.
- Decreto 2364 of 2012: Mandates that public entities restrict automated data extraction if it disrupts service or breaches access protocols, per Article 15’s transparency exceptions.
- Ley 1712 of 2014 (Transparency Law): Allows scraping of non-personal public records but requires adherence to access terms. Violations may trigger fines under Article 42 for unauthorized data harvesting.
Scrapers must also comply with Ley 1266 of 2008 (Credit Data Law) when handling financial identifiers and Ley 1955 of 2019 (National Development Plan)’s 2026 push for algorithmic accountability. Courts increasingly scrutinize scraping under Article 15 of the Constitution, balancing public interest with privacy rights. Failure to implement technical safeguards (e.g., rate limiting, opt-out mechanisms) risks administrative sanctions or civil liability.