Ingresar
Nicaragua Considers Bill to Regulate Internet Content
By Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
Nicaragua is currently debating a new telecommunications bill that includes provisions for regulating internet content. The proposed legislation aims to replace the country's existing Telecommunications and Postal Services Law, which dates back to 1995.
Content Oversight: The bill grants the government enhanced authority to monitor and control content disseminated online by audiovisual creators and other media outlets.
Licensing Requirements: Local television stations and audiovisual producers would be required to obtain licenses to operate online within Nicaragua. This could potentially increase bureaucratic hurdles for media organizations.
Freedom of Expression: Critics argue that the bill could curtail freedom of expression by giving the government broad powers to censor online content.
Data Privacy: There are concerns that the law might facilitate government access to users' browsing and personal data, raising privacy issues.
Intellectual Property: The bill's provisions could have implications for intellectual property rights, particularly regarding the protection of online content and digital copyrights.
The bill is still under consideration and it looks to represent a step towards modernizing Nicaragua's telecommunications infrastructure. The proposed regulation aims to create a framework that promotes both technological advancement and responsible online content. As the legislative process unfolds, it is important that stakeholders, including media outlets, civil society, and technology companies, are called to contribute valuable insights to shape the final legislation.
Guy José Bendaña-Guerrero & Asociados
GUY JOSE BENDAÑA GUERRERO & ASOCIADOS has a long and prosperous tradition in the field of intellectual property (IP) in Nicaragua, with roots that go back to more than 100 years, resulting on long-term relationships with renowned clients and attorneys worldwide.
The firm has its origins in the law firm Henry Caldera & Henry Caldera-Pallais, founded in 1907 by Mr. Henry Caldera. That same year of 1907, through the efforts of Mr. Caldera, Nicaragua had its first Trademark Law. In the late 1930’s, Mr. Caldera’s oldest son, Dr. Henry Caldera-Pallais, after studying law in Nicaragua, attended the University of Michigan, where he graduated as a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. Dr. Caldera-Pallais in 1964 was a founding member of the Interamerican Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI), the first regional intellectual property organization in the Americas. The firm continued to grow during the administration of Dr. Franklin Caldera, son of Dr. Caldera-Pallais, who obtained his doctoral degree in law from the Universidad Centroamericana in 1973.
Since 1985 the current partners, Dr. Guy José Bendaña Guerrero and Mrs. Blanca Aragón de Bendaña, took over the management of the firm. Dr. Bendaña Guerrero, Director of the firm, has distinguished himself as one of the most respected authorities in Central America in the field of intellectual property and law in general, being the author of several books such as “Course of Industrial Property Law”, “Study of the new Laws of Industrial Property” and “New Study of Contracts “, among others. Mrs. Aragón de Bendaña has served as the firm’s general manager and, thanks to her excellent management, the firm has been in constant growth, with a highly qualified staff committed to excellence. Since 1996, partner Julián José Bendaña Aragón joined the firm, and has been standing out as one of the most recognized attorneys in the field of intellectual property.
We have adapted to the constant change of the business world, supporting our clients in finding the most appropriate legal solutions for each moment. The firm distinguishes itself by understanding the needs of its clients, offering personalized service and adding value to its activities.
Nowadays we continue to be the leading firm in Nicaragua in the area of intellectual property, and at the same time, we have been consolidating other areas of service within the civil, commercial and labor fields, as well as litigation and consulting in general. The firm is well positioned to guarantee a pragmatic service that meets the requirements of the most demanding clients.