Yes, scraping public data in Argentina is generally permitted, but strict compliance with local data protection and cybersecurity laws is mandatory. Publicly accessible information may be collected, yet processing personal data triggers obligations under the Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 25,326) and its 2026 amendments. Unauthorized scraping for commercial purposes risks violating privacy rights and incurring penalties from the Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP).
Key Regulations for Scraping Public Data in Argentina
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 25,326): Applies when scraping includes personal data. Controllers must ensure lawful bases (e.g., public interest) and data minimization. The 2026 reforms expand penalties for non-compliance, including fines up to 10% of annual turnover for legal entities.
- Access to Public Information Law (Law No. 27,275): Permits access to public records but prohibits automated extraction that disrupts government systems. Scrapers must comply with AAIP’s technical guidelines to avoid blocking or legal action.
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 26,388): Criminalizes unauthorized access to systems or data, even if publicly available. Scrapers must avoid circumventing technical protections (e.g., CAPTCHAs, rate limits) to prevent liability under Articles 153 bis and 155.
Critical Considerations:
- Consent and Purpose Limitation: Even public data cannot be repurposed for unrelated commercial activities without explicit justification under Law No. 25,326.
- Technical Safeguards: AAIP’s 2025 circulars mandate rate-limiting, IP blocking avoidance, and data anonymization where feasible to mitigate enforcement risks.
- Sector-Specific Rules: Financial, health, or telecom data may require additional approvals from the Central Bank or National Communications Entity (ENACOM).