PPD will promote in more than 100 municipalities an ordinance to make the use of personal data on digital platforms transparent

The Partido Por la Democracia (PPD) has announced plans to introduce a regulation in over 100 municipalities aimed at increasing transparency around how personal data is used by digital platforms. The initiative, which will be pushed forward by the party’s councilors and mayors, seeks to protect citizens' private information from misuse by large online services and businesses. It also aims to educate users through clear communication and voluntary recognition mechanisms, without imposing new obligations or penalties on third parties. The proposed ordinance includes measures such as displaying a simplified warning message on municipal Wi-Fi networks explaining how platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and WhatsApp handle photos, videos, and other user-generated content. This effort is part of a broader strategy to ensure that individuals understand how their data might be used, particularly in the context of artificial intelligence applications. According to the proposal, the goal is to make this information accessible in a straightforward manner once users connect to municipal Wi-Fi. In addition to these transparency efforts, the plan proposes the creation of a "Municipal Seal of Good Digital Practices," a voluntary and free certification for local businesses that commit to responsible handling of personal data, including the RUT (Rol Único Tributario). This seal is intended to help residents identify trustworthy businesses and reinforce trust in local commerce. The initiative also addresses concerns related to artificial intelligence and digital literacy. Among its provisions is a requirement that responses to social media queries about rights or benefits must come from human representatives rather than AI systems. Furthermore, it prohibits municipal service providers from using residents' data to train models or sell them. These measures aim to prevent potential abuses while promoting ethical data practices. Digital literacy programs focused on preventing fraud, phishing, and deepfake technologies are also part of the proposal. Special attention is given to protecting children, adolescents, and young people, who are increasingly exposed to online risks. According to statistics released by the Subsecretariat of Crime Prevention in March 2026, scams targeting individuals aged 66 and older increased significantly, rising from 1,969 cases in 2018 to more than 9,180 in 2025. Reinaldo Rosales, head of the PPD's councilor delegation, emphasized the importance of bringing this proposal to the over 100 municipalities where the party holds representation. He likened teaching safe navigation on social media to teaching children how to cross the street, highlighting the critical role of digital safety education. "We want shopping in our communities to mean trust," he added, underscoring the party's commitment to enhancing consumer confidence through transparency and accountability. Raúl Soto, president of the PPD, noted that while a new data protection law comes into effect in December, the party believes it should take further steps to safeguard citizens' privacy. He explained that platforms like Meta can use images of children to personalize experiences, conduct analyses, and even develop AI functions, emphasizing the need for families to have access to clear information about how their data is handled. Soto stressed that starting with local initiatives is essential before addressing larger systemic issues.