The telecommunications law has been a hot topic lately, and the latest from Mexico City is President Claudia Sheinbaum’s response to criticism over a controversial article in the new law. Sheinbaum insists that there’s “no censorship or espionage” happening under this legislation. The bill, which has already passed through the Senate and is headed for the House of Representatives today, is set to grant authorities access to personal data, leading to a mix of excitement and concern among the public and officials alike.
Sheinbaum, who was spotted recently at the National Palace, emphasized that the government isn’t out to spy on anyone. In her words, “How could we spy? Honestly, we have no interest in that.” She stressed that the changes in the telecommunications law are designed to improve service quality and also to assist in safety matters when necessary.
To back up her claims, José Antonio Peña Merino, head of the Digital Transformation Agency, chimed in, declaring “it’s false” to say that the law is about surveillance. He pointed out that nothing in the new wording changes the existing obligation for phone operators to cooperate with security authorities. In fact, Merino added, any request for information requires a judge’s authorization. So, folks, no need to panic.
With the new telecommunications law, the Federal Telecommunications Institute will be replaced by the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications. This new body is set to take over as the regulatory authority. Additionally, Sheinbaum insisted that any measures related to censorship or personal data collection are beyond the scope of the law. “We’re looking to restore audience rights, not to limit them,” she said.
Despite the uproar the legislation stirred earlier, including concerns about possible government powers to block digital platforms, Sheinbaum was adamant that these worries were taken seriously and led to a request for a more thorough examination of certain articles in the proposed law.
In the end, while Sheinbaum assures us there’s no big brother lurking around, it seems this new legislation might just shake up the telecommunications landscape in Mexico. What do you think about the government’s approach? Is it a step forward or just opening a Pandora’s box? Let’s hear your thoughts! Until next time, stay tuned and stay informed!
