Galápagos: ABG approves mandatory bodycams for its biosecurity inspectors

The Biosafety and Quarantine Regulation and Control Agency for Galapagos (ABG) approved the mandatory use of body-worn cameras (bodycams) in all its inspection processes. The decision is contained in Resolution No. 18-DE-ABG-2026, signed on September 4, 2026, in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz canton, and published in the Second Supplement of the Official Registry No. 376 on Thursday, September 24, 2026, on page 2. The instrument approves the “Operating Procedure for the Implementation of Personal Video Recording Systems (Bodycams) in ABG Inspection Processes,” version 001-28-08-2026.

The resolution bears the signature of Mgs. Mariela Alejandra Cedeño Gómez, acting executive director of the ABG, whose appointment was officialized through Personnel Action No. ABG-UATH-ACP-2025-0685, dated July 25, 2025. The procedure was drafted by Lcdo. David Arana Vallejo, Director of Biosafety Regulations and Prevention, and reviewed by Mgs. Christian Giovanni Ortiz Suárez, Deputy Director of Legal Counsel, following Memorandum No. ABG-DNPB-2026-0239-M, dated September 1, 2026.

The ABG justifies the measure based on recurring incidents at checkpoints: disagreements, resistance to authority, and complaints questioning the actions of inspectors. Without audiovisual support, the document notes, it was difficult to contrast these accusations with objective evidence, leaving technical personnel in a position of administrative and legal vulnerability.

Where and when recording is mandatory

The procedure applies to all technical and inspection personnel of the ABG who perform controls at:

• Airports of origin and destination, both mainland and Galapagos.
• Seaports of origin and destination, both mainland and Galapagos.
• Cargo consolidation and deconsolidation yards.
• Phytosanitary and zoosanitary activities within the territory.

The camera must be activated, mandatorily, during the inspection of luggage, cargo, VIP lounges, hotels, and means of transport, as well as during phytosanitary and zoosanitary surveillance, the discovery and seizure of products, conflicts with users, and the drafting of official reports. The device shall be placed on the front of the uniform, at chest height, and the inspector shall inform the user before starting the recording.

Limits, privacy, and user opposition

Recording is prohibited in restrooms, dressing rooms, staff break areas, medical spaces, and homes or offices not linked to the procedure. Visible notices—containing a QR code or institutional link—will be placed at checkpoints regarding the data controller, the purposes of processing, the retention period, and the channels to exercise rights.

Use is governed by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, transparency, data minimization, information security, institutional responsibility, and data protection. If the user objects, the official will continue the inspection, verbally record the refusal, and communicate it to the supervisor; opposition alone does not constitute an infringement nor does it suspend the procedure.

Custody, deadlines, and supervision

Routine videos will be kept for a maximum of 30 days; those linked to administrative proceedings, until the decision becomes final; and those associated with judicial processes or claims, as long as the legal obligation persists. Files will be named using the format date, inspector code, and video number, for example 2026-06-25-ABG-SX-021-001.

Control includes:

• Weekly review of a sample of up to 5% of the recordings.
• Technical cleaning of storage every 30 days.
• Monthly technical review of the devices.
• Delivery of the incident report within a maximum period of 24 hours.

The resolution entered into force upon its signing and is binding for the directorates, sub-directorates, and technical offices of the ABG. The invoked legal framework includes articles 10, 14, 66 (numeral 19), 73, 258, and 396 of the Constitution of the Republic of Ecuador, article 7 of the Organic Law on the Protection of Personal Data, article 85 of the Organic Law of the Special Regime of the Province of Galápagos, article 229 of the Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code, article 24 of the Organic Administrative Code, article 82 of the General Regulation of the LOREG, and Executive Decree No. 1319.

The measure makes the ABG one of the first Ecuadorian control entities to provide audiovisual evidence to its inspection personnel. For residents, tourists, and cargo operators crossing the archipelago’s checkpoints, it means that every review will be recorded and auditable, with explicit rules on privacy, conservation, and access to images.

Source: Official Registry, Second Supplement No. 376, Thursday, September 24, 2026, p. 2 (official reference: Resolution No. 18-DE-ABG-2026).