A new political battlefront has opened in Mexico regarding a reform to the Telecommunications Law that seeks to return significant regulatory powers to the Executive branch. This reform, proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has ignited concerns among opposition parties who argue that it could lead to government censorship and control over media, including television, radio, and social media.
On April 23, 2025, Sheinbaum sent the proposed law to the Senate, which aims to grant the newly established Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones (ATDT) the authority to manage the radio-electric spectrum. This includes the power to grant and revoke concessions for broadcasting and telecommunications, a move that follows the elimination of the independent Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFT) late last year.
The opposition has raised alarms about the implications of this legislation, particularly Article 109, which allows the ATDT to temporarily block digital platforms at the request of authorities for non-compliance with applicable regulations. Critics argue that this could extend to social networks, streaming platforms, and messaging services, raising fears of a government overreach into digital communication.
Sheinbaum has denied any intentions of censorship, emphasizing that the bill is designed to democratize the telecommunications industry and ensure compliance with national laws. During a press conference on April 24, 2025, she stated, "At no time are we proposing censorship. We are against censorship." She clarified that blocking a platform would only occur for reasons related to national security, tax evasion, or legal violations, and that companies would be notified in advance.
Despite the President's reassurances, the proposal has faced significant pushback. Ricardo Anaya Cortés, leader of the main opposition party in the Senate, warned that the government is attempting to control the public narrative, likening the move to tactics employed by authoritarian regimes. He stated, "They want to control what is said on the radio, what comes out on television, and now they have no limits—they want to control social networks and digital platforms too."
Senator Alejandra Barrales echoed these concerns, asserting that the government aims to regulate how Mexicans access and share information. The powerful media conglomerates, including Televisa and TV Azteca, have also expressed their discontent, particularly regarding the high fines proposed for broadcasting foreign propaganda, which they fear could stifle their operations.
The initiative is set to be discussed in the Senate plenary on April 28, 2025, but resistance is mounting. Some legislators, including Senator Javier Corral, have called for a more thorough analysis of the reform, suggesting it requires further refinement to ensure impartiality and neutrality within the ATDT, which is led by José Antonio Peña Merino, a close ally of Sheinbaum.
Gabriel Sosa Plata, a media policy expert, noted that while the government's regaining control of the radio-electric spectrum is contentious, it marks a significant shift in power dynamics within the telecommunications sector. He pointed out that historically, media conglomerates have held substantial sway over regulatory frameworks, and this reform could limit their influence.
As the debate continues, Sheinbaum's administration is facing mounting pressure from both opposition parties and media stakeholders. The proposed legislation has sparked fears of a return to a more centralized control over information dissemination in Mexico, reminiscent of practices seen in more authoritarian regimes.
In light of the controversy surrounding the proposed reforms, the Sheinbaum administration remains steadfast in its assertion that the changes are necessary for national security and the integrity of the telecommunications sector. However, as the Senate prepares to deliberate on the bill, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for media freedom and digital communication in Mexico.
