Best Data Center & Digital Infrastructure Lawyers in Córdoba

About Data Center & Digital Infrastructure Law in Córdoba, Argentina

Data centers and digital infrastructure are strategic assets for businesses, government and telecommunications in Córdoba. The legal framework that affects these projects is a mix of national regulation - covering telecommunications, personal data protection, customs and taxes - and provincial and municipal rules that govern land use, construction, electricity distribution and environmental impact. Because data centers require large, reliable electricity supply, strict physical and cyber security, and compliance with privacy rules when processing personal data, navigating both technical and legal requirements early in a project is essential.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal advice is useful at many stages of a data center or digital infrastructure project. Common situations that require specialized legal help include:

- Site acquisition or leasing - to review titles, easements, land use restrictions, and construction rights.

- Permits and approvals - to obtain zoning, building permits, environmental impact approvals and connection agreements with utility companies.

- Utility arrangements - to negotiate power purchase agreements, special tariffs, or grid connection conditions with EPEC or other suppliers.

- Telecom and connectivity agreements - to structure carrier interconnection, access to fiber, colocation contracts and backbone arrangements under ENACOM regulation.

- Data protection and privacy compliance - to interpret Argentina's Personal Data Protection Law and implement cross-border transfer controls and data security measures.

- Procurement and contracting - to draft or negotiate EPC contracts, operation and maintenance agreements, service-level agreements and supplier warranties.

- Tax and customs planning - to manage importation of equipment, incentives and provincial or national tax regimes.

- Dispute resolution and regulatory investigations - to respond to inspections, sanctions or third-party claims.

Local Laws Overview

The following summarizes key legal areas that commonly affect data center and digital infrastructure projects in Córdoba. This is a general guide - projects often raise specific legal issues that require tailored advice.

- Telecommunications and connectivity - The Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones (ENACOM) regulates telecommunications services and licensing at the national level. Projects that offer or interconnect telecom services must consider ENACOM rules, spectrum use if applicable, and obligations for carriers and service providers.

- Personal data protection - Argentina s Personal Data Protection Law - Law 25.326 - and its regulations establish obligations for the collection, processing and cross-border transfer of personal data. Organizations must implement appropriate security measures, inform data subjects and register certain databases when required. The national data protection authority handles complaints and can impose measures.

- Energy and electricity - In Córdoba, the main electricity distributor is Empresa Provincial de Energía de Córdoba (EPEC). Data centers will need to negotiate connections, define service levels, and in many cases explore redundant feeds, on-site generation and transformer installations. National energy policies, grid rules and CAMMESA procedures can also affect allocation and pricing.

- Environmental and land-use regulation - National environmental law establishes general principles, while provincial and municipal rules set specific Environmental Impact Assessment requirements, emissions limits and waste management obligations. Data centers must consider water usage for cooling, noise, and construction impacts, and may need environmental permits or mitigation plans.

- Construction, zoning and building codes - Municipalities in Córdoba enforce zoning rules, building permits and safety codes. Seismic standards, fire safety, and accessibility regulations are important for design approval and obtaining final occupancy certificates.

- Tax and customs - National taxes and customs rules apply to import of equipment and software. AFIP oversees federal taxation and customs. The Province of Córdoba levies provincial taxes and may have incentive programs or industrial promotion regimes for strategic projects. Currency controls and foreign investment regulations - including central bank rules - can affect financing and payments.

- Contracts and commercial law - The Argentine Civil and Commercial Code governs contract formation, performance and remedies. Clear drafting of SLAs, limitation of liability, indemnities and force majeure clauses is critical for data center agreements.

- Security, cybersecurity and incident reporting - While Argentina does not currently have a single comprehensive national cybersecurity law, data protection rules impose security obligations. Criminal statutes penalize unauthorized access to computer systems. Sector-specific standards, international best practices and contract terms typically set requirements for incident response and notification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special permits to build a data center in Córdoba?

Yes. Typical permits include municipal land-use and zoning approvals, building permits, environmental impact authorizations if applicable, permits for high-voltage electrical installations and possibly specific utility connection agreements. Requirements vary by municipality and the scale of the project, so an early review of local regulations is essential.

What rules govern personal data stored or processed in a data center?

Personal data in Argentina is regulated by Law 25.326 and related regulations. Organizations processing personal data must ensure lawful grounds for processing, implement technical and organizational security measures, inform data subjects, and follow rules for cross-border transfers. Data breach handling and retention policies also require attention.

Can I transfer data stored in Córdoba to servers in other countries?

Cross-border transfers are permitted but subject to data protection rules. Transfers to countries without adequate protection may require contractual safeguards, specific authorizations or compliance mechanisms. Legal advice helps determine the correct mechanism based on the type of data and destination jurisdiction.

How do I secure reliable electricity supply and backup? What are typical legal issues?

Negotiating grid connections, transformers, medium and high-voltage infrastructure and standby generation involves technical and contractual work. Legal issues include allocation of construction and maintenance responsibilities, tariff negotiation, easements for lines, service interruption liability and potential need for special permits for on-site generation or fuel storage.

Are there tax incentives for data centers in Córdoba?

Incentives depend on national and provincial programs and on whether the project qualifies as industrial or strategic. Provinces sometimes offer tax breaks or support through industrial parks. Customs exemptions for imported equipment may be available under specific regimes. A tax specialist should analyze eligibility and structuring options.

What contractual protections should I include in colocation or carrier agreements?

Key protections include clear SLAs with measurable availability metrics, definitions of downtime, remedies and damages, limitation of liability, confidentiality and data protection clauses, physical and cyber security obligations, maintenance schedules, and termination rights. Indemnities and insurance requirements are also important.

Do I need an environmental impact assessment for a data center?

Depending on site, size and local rules, an Environmental Impact Assessment may be required. Issues assessed typically include land use change, water consumption, noise, emissions from backup generation and construction impacts. Mitigation measures, monitoring and public consultations may be part of the process.

How should I approach procurement and construction contracting?

Use clear EPC or construction contracts that allocate risks for delays, cost overruns, defects and performance guarantees. Include testing, commissioning and acceptance criteria. Consider performance bonds, liquidated damages and dispute resolution mechanisms suited to project size and complexity.

What happens if a regulator opens an investigation or a complaint is filed?

Regulators can require documentation, impose corrective measures or fines, and orders can affect operations. Immediate steps include preserving records, notifying insurers and engaging legal counsel experienced in regulatory defense. Prompt, transparent cooperation with authorities while protecting legal rights is critical.

How do I choose the right lawyer or firm for a data center project?

Look for experience in technology, telecommunications, energy and construction law, plus familiarity with Córdoba s provincial and municipal processes. Ask for references from similar projects, request a clear fee structure and engagement letter, and consider multidisciplinary teams that can coordinate legal, tax and technical advisors.

Additional Resources

These organizations and authorities commonly interact with data center and digital infrastructure projects in Córdoba:

- Ente Nacional de Comunicaciones - ENACOM - national telecommunications regulator

- Agency or authority responsible for personal data protection - national data protection authority

- Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos - AFIP - federal tax and customs authority

- Banco Central de la República Argentina - BCRA - for foreign exchange and investment rules

- Empresa Provincial de Energía de Córdoba - EPEC - provincial electricity distributor

- Municipality of Córdoba and other municipal governments - for zoning and building permits

- Provincia de Córdoba - relevant ministries such as Ministry of Industry, Environment and Planning

- Industry associations and chambers of commerce - for sector guidance and local contacts

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for a data center or digital infrastructure matter in Córdoba, consider the following practical steps:

- Prepare a short project brief - include site details, expected capacity, planned services and timeline.

- Gather key documents - site deeds or lease, technical plans, existing permits, supplier drafts and business model information.

- Identify the main legal risks - ownership and title, zoning, energy supply, data protection, customs and tax, and contractual exposure.

- Contact a specialized lawyer or firm - seek counsel with experience in telecommunications, energy, construction and data protection, and ask for prior project references.

- Arrange an initial consultation - request a conflict check, a scope estimate and a proposed work plan. Agree on fees and communication channels in writing.

- Engage technical advisors when needed - engineers, environmental consultants and IT security experts will often be required to complete permit applications and validate contractual terms.

- Implement a compliance and documentation plan - maintain records of permits, agreements, security policies and incident reports. Regular compliance reviews reduce regulatory and operational risk.

- Plan for dispute resolution and insurance - ensure contracts include clear dispute resolution mechanisms and appropriate insurance coverage for construction, operations and cyber incidents.

Working with experienced local counsel early on reduces delays, avoids unexpected costs and helps align the project with regulatory expectations in Córdoba and at the national level.