Asuncion, Paraguay – The Paraguayan Senate's Commission on Science, Technology, Innovation, and the Future, led by Senator Patrick Kemper, has made significant progress in addressing the urgent issue of child pornography by advancing a bill that mandates telecommunications data retention.

The proposed legislation, initiated by Congressman Rodrigo Blanco, seeks to compel telecommunications operators to store user access data for a period of 6 to 12 months. This data, which excludes the actual content of communications, would be made available to law enforcement agencies for the investigation of child pornography crimes.

This legislative effort aims to reinforce existing regulations, as the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) has already implemented a decree requiring internet service providers to retain access data for at least six months since September of 2024. By codifying this requirement into law, the bill seeks to provide a more robust legal framework and equip investigators with essential tools to combat these heinous crimes.

Following in-depth discussions, the Senate committee has resolved to amend and approve the bill, incorporating valuable recommendations from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MITIC).

The gravity of child pornography cannot be overstated. It constitutes a severe violation of children's fundamental rights, inflicting lasting trauma on its victims. The widespread accessibility of the internet and social media platforms has facilitated the distribution of child pornography, transforming it into a global crisis.

In response to this growing threat, numerous nations are adopting proactive measures, including mandatory data retention policies and strengthened international collaboration. Notably, the European Union (EU) has reinforced its regulations on preventing child sexual abuse, expanding the responsibilities of telecommunications operators.

Paraguay's initiative to advance this bill signifies its commitment to joining the international community in combating child pornography and bolstering child protection.