Applicability of the Kyrgyzstan Law on Personal Information (2008)

Kyrgyzstan's data protection framework is established through specific legislation governing the processing of personal information. The primary role of this legislation is fulfilled by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic "On Personal Information" (Закон Кыргызской Республики "Об информации персонального характера"), which serves as the principal legal instrument regulating personal data processing activities within the country.

The law was adopted on February 21, 2008 and became effective on April 14, 2008. The most recent amendment to this legislation was made through Law No. 142 of November 29, 2021, adopted on November 29, 2021.

Material Applicability

The Law on Personal Information of Kyrgyzstan contains one material applicability factor: the Personal and Domestic Use Exemption.

Law on Personal Information Article 2(2):

"This Law does not apply to the storage, processing and use of personal data in connection with personal, family or business affairs of an individual, unless the rights of the subjects of personal data are violated."

Original (Kyrgyz): "Ушул Мыйзам жеке адамдын жеке, үй-бүлөлүк же ишкердик иштерине байланыштуу жеке маалыматтарды сактоого, иштетүүгө жана пайдаланууга, эгерде жеке маалыматтардын субъекттеринин укуктары бузулбаса, колдонулбайт."

Personal and Domestic Use Exemption

The law excludes from its scope the processing of personal data by individuals for:

• Personal affairs
• Family affairs
• Business affairs

This exemption is subject to a significant limitation: it applies only if "the rights of the subjects of personal data are violated". The processing activities that infringe upon data subjects' rights fall within the law's scope regardless of their personal or domestic nature.

The inclusion of "business affairs" in the exemption extends beyond typical personal and domestic use exemptions, potentially covering individual entrepreneurial activities.

Territorial Applicability

The law does not contain specific provisions regarding territorial applicability.