Mexican Senate Advances Telecommunications Law: Censorship Clause Removed, Surveillance Remains

MEXICO CITY – The Mexican Senate's Telecommunications Law has advanced, with key amendments addressing initial concerns over government censorship of social media. While the controversial provision allowing authorities to 'switch off' digital platforms was removed following public debate, opposition parties highlight that the revised legislation still retains powers for surveillance over mobile phone users and their call histories. During a recent legislative session, senators from various parties weighed in on the updated bill. A representative from Morena stated that claims of the new dictum proposing a public mobile telephony registry are 'absolutely incorrect,' emphasizing the need to prevent mobile devices from becoming 'instruments of crime.' Conversely, opposition members, including Senator Alejandra Barrales of MC, acknowledged that the space for discussion had been opened and voices heard. However, she noted that the issue is 'not 100% resolved' for many, and expressed concern about clauses related to real-time geolocation and the vague 'right of audiences' that could still be interpreted broadly. Another senator emphasized that without correcting the mobile user registry and real-time geolocation provisions, and removing the broad faculty to suspend transmissions, it would be impossible to support the dictum. The bill is slated for a full Senate vote, underscoring ongoing tensions between government control and digital freedoms.