STF Halts Celepar Privatization Over Data-Protection Risks

Overview

• Justice Flávio Dino issued a preliminary injunction on Feb. 22 that suspends administrative steps and partially blocks the 2024 state law authorizing Celepar’s sale.
• The ruling cites risks to the fundamental right to personal-data protection given the planned transfer of control to private operators.
• Paraná must prepare a transition-specific data-protection impact assessment for ANPD review and retain state control over sensitive databases and oversight powers under federal norms.
• The timetable is frozen, including the Feb. 6 bidding notice and the Mar. 17 auction at B3 with a minimum price of R$1.3 billion, after formal notices to the governor, Celepar and B3.
• Celepar operates core state IT systems and extensive citizen datasets; the case was brought by PT and PSOL, ANPD warned of legal risks, and the state says it will appeal.