The Municipal Secretariat for Consumer Protection and Defense of Rio de Janeiro, through Procon Carioca (Consumer Protection Agency), fined 32 pharmaceutical establishments during the first week of the second phase of the "CPF Protegido" (Protected CPF) operation. The total penalties applied reached R$ 1,016,064, demonstrating the rigor of enforcement in ensuring compliance with personal data protection regulations. The action represents a milestone in combating abusive personal data collection practices in the city's pharmaceutical sector.

The operation began with a 60-day educational campaign, during which Procon Carioca agents visited pharmacies and drugstores across all regions of the city. During this phase, inspectors guided managers on the proper handling of customers' personal data and distributed educational materials to consumers on the topic. The goal was to raise awareness among establishments about the importance of aligning their practices with legal requirements before the enforcement phase began.

The action is based on Joint Municipal Resolution No. 1, in effect since July 2 of this year, which establishes coordinated action by the Municipal Secretariat for Consumer Protection and Defense in partnership with the Municipal Secretariat of Integrity and Transparency. The regulation prohibits the requirement to provide personal information without the consumer's free, informed, and unequivocal consent, as well as the collection of personal data solely for the purpose of checking product prices. These practices may constitute abuse or misleading advertising, violating both the Consumer Protection Code and LGPD (Brazil's General Data Protection Law).

The Secretary of Consumer Protection and Defense emphasized that CPF numbers cannot be used as bargaining chips without clear information about prices and discounts, reaffirming the commitment to fine all establishments that disregard these rights. The operation will continue with regular inspections to ensure compliance with personal data protection regulations throughout the municipality.

This post was summarized from its original version using AI, with human review.

Source: ProconCarioca

Photo: José Bismarck/Sedecon/Procon