The recent abolition of Mexico's National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Data Protection (INAI) has unleashed significant public outcry as citizens are urged to defend their rights to information and privacy. Following the official decree published on the Federal Official Gazette, the INAI emphasized the importance of these rights for enhancing community well-being and democratic quality.
"Transparency, the right to know, and the legitimate use of our personal data remain, and only through citizen demands can they be fully exercised," stated the institute.
The reform, which effectively dissolves the INAI, does not erase these constitutional rights but poses challenges for their practical realization. The INAI called on the public to actively demand enforcement of their rights, underscoring the necessity of participation to safeguard democracy.
For over two decades, the INAI has played a pivotal role from its inception as the Federal Institute for Access to Information (IFAI), enabling individuals to access their medical records, obtain work-related documentation, and secure necessary files for pension processes. It has also been instrumental in promoting public access to information pertinent to combat corruption and upholding human rights.
Mexico's newly established model for addressing information access and data protection rights remains uncertain. The INAI, acknowledging its past contributions, relayed significant instances where its intercession proved advantageous for society, including the infamous Ayotzinapa case, the Tlatlaya incident, and the corruption scandals surrounding Odebrecht and La Estafa Maestra.
On the day the abolition was formalized, the INAI reiterated its commitment to uphold the human rights fundamental to its existence until its last moment of operation. "The INAI will work until the very last day to fully guarantee the human rights it was created to protect," they added, offering their knowledge and dedication to shaping the future model for transparency and data protection in Mexico.
The INAI's closure also coincides with the demise of other autonomous agencies such as Coneval and the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT), which raises pressing questions about the future safeguarding of citizen rights. A 90-day window has been established for the Federal Congress to propose new mechanisms intended to uphold these rights.
This major shift could significantly diminish the clear channels through which citizens could previously hold authorities accountable for their actions. Experts warn the new framework could hinder transparency and complicate the active pursuit of rights, calling upon civil society to unite and demand accountability from future governance structures.
Even amid the despair over these changes, advocates argue there is still potential for civic engagement to fortify the democratic framework. Citizens are encouraged to staunchly pursue their rights through organized efforts, insisting upon transparency and accountability from their representatives.
The financial impact of this reform should not be overlooked. The government claims savings generated from the abolition of these organizations will be funneled to the Pension Fund for Welfare. Assurances were also made to protect the labor rights of employees from the dissolved institutions, providing them with stability during this transition.
While the INAI will no longer function as it once did, the principles it championed live on under the constitutional guarantees. Nevertheless, the responsibility now falls on the citizens of Mexico to forge pathways to safeguarding their rights and ensuring their voices remain integral to the democratic process.
Undoubtedly, this period marks a challenging time for civil liberties. Still, the INAI's legacy reminds citizens of their collective power to shape policies and insist on the protection of their rights as they transition to the next chapter of governance.
