2025 Public Sector Perspectives

4. Government policies and regulations: Privacy, Consumer Protection, and Cybersecurity As infrastructure is built, it is important to establish consumer, businesses and entities trust to bring them on board and raise their level of comfort with new digital money dynamics. Governments must establish and enforce regulations that protect individuals and businesses from digital fraud, data breaches, and cyberattacks. Developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks that address Privacy, Consumer Protection, and Cybersecurity regulatory frameworks are crucial to protect the rights and security, to promote best practices and solutions, and to build trust. In Latin America, countries like Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay have enacted laws and made significant progress in these areas. Brazil’s General Data Protection Law sets strict guidelines on the collection, processing, and storage of personal data, empowering citizens with more control over their information. Similarly, Mexico’s Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data held by Private Parties provides comprehensive rules for protecting personal data. Governments are also creating cybersecurity frameworks that require businesses and institutions to adopt protective measures, strengthen cybersecurity protocols and report breaches. Special resources are also dedicated to improving digital defenses, and governments across the region are strengthening cybersecurity strategies, creating specialized agencies, reinforcing critical infrastructure protection, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to combat cyber threats. Some countries are emphasizing the importance of building a culture of security across institutions and citizens. 5. Government strategy around broadband and Wi-Fi expansion Accessible and reliable broadband and Wi-Fi access are the backbone of the digital economy, and governments in Latin America are making significant strides to improve connectivity. Expanding access to affordable, high-speed internet is essential for digital inclusion, economic growth, and competitiveness in the global economy. Digital literacy is also a fundamental component. Governments must ensure that citizens have the skills to effectively use digital tools and services. Countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico are investing heavily in expanding fiber-optic networks to reach remote areas, while Brazil’s National Broadband Plan seeks to deliver broadband services to underserved regions, promoting digital inclusion, and making internet access ubiquitous. These initiatives are supported by public-private cooperation, private investments as well as regional cooperation, ensuring that broadband expansion remains a top priority. Governments are also promoting public Wi-Fi access in urban and rural areas, providing free or low-cost connectivity to schools, public spaces, and transportation hubs. For instance, Colombia’s Zonas Wi-Fi Gratis para la Gente initiative has installed thousands of freeWi-Fi zones across the country, significantly increasing internet access in public spaces. 6. Strategies for digital inclusion and digital literacy Digital inclusion is the core of an equitable digital economy. Governments are tasked with ensuring that everyone—regardless of socioeconomic status, geographic location, or educational background—has access to the infrastructure that supports the digital economy, such as telecommunications, banking, and payments, as well as shared IT platforms. In Latin America, countries are implementing targeted policies and programs to close the digital divide. Digital literacy is also a fundamental component. Governments must ensure that citizens have the skills to effectively use digital tools and services. This includes teaching the basics of internet use, promoting digital citizenship, and providing training in advanced digital skills such as coding and data analytics. For example, in Argentina there are programs to provide laptops and digital education tools to students. Colombia’s Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (MinTIC) has campaigns focused on educating citizens about best practices for navigating the internet securely, while Chile has programs of digital alphabetization aimed to improve digital literacy. These programs are crucial for equipping citizens with the skills needed to participate fully and securely in the digital economy. 56 The Digital Economy and the Key Role of Government Support