Telecom Law postponed: What is Sheinbaum's proposed user registry about?

Prior to the start of the Senate plenary session, the debate on the new Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law was removed from the agenda for Monday, April 28. Although the ruling had already been approved by committee and was ready for discussion in the Senate, it was ultimately dropped from the agenda.

The reason behind this decision was President Claudia Sheinbaum 's call for a broad space for dialogue. This was done to avoid misinterpretations that could suggest an attempt to censor social media, digital platforms, or media outlets.

Following the announcement, Morena's Senate coordinator, Adán Augusto López, confirmed that meetings were scheduled: one this Monday between senators and federal government representatives, and another on Tuesday with the Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry.

According to the report, the idea is to listen to concerns, receive proposals for adjustments, and ensure that the final ruling does not jeopardize freedom of expression or diversity on the internet.

Another controversial issue in Sheinbaum's initiative is the creation of a national registry of mobile phone users. The president insists on creating a registry similar to the registry that former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador wanted to create, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional because it violated the right to privacy.

According to Article 8 of the new proposal submitted by Sheinbaum to the Senate, the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency, headed by José Merino, would be responsible for managing this registry.

According to the initiative, this Agency would have the power to issue mandatory guidelines for mobile service providers and operators, totaling 66 very powerful powers.

One of the points that raised the most alarms was Article 109. The initial wording would have empowered the competent authority to block certain digital platforms or social networks, without specifying the criteria or conditions for its application. Sectors warn of a direct threat to freedom of expression and the plurality of voices in the digital environment.

For now, discussion of the Telecommunications Law remains on hold. The Senate plans to hold an open parliament to hear from experts, human rights organizations, industry representatives, and officials before making a decision.

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