Mexican President Sheinbaum Calls for Changes to Controversial Telecoms Bill

Mexican President Sheinbaum on Friday urged changes or removal of part of a new telecommunications bill. Critics had raised concerns that the proposed law could restrict free speech and lead to government censorship.

The bill moved rapidly through Senate committees on Thursday, just a day after Claudia Sheinbaum first introduced it. This followed controversy over the local broadcast of a US government advertisement discouraging migration to the US.

Sheinbaum insists the bill is meant to prevent foreign governments from spreading political or ideological propaganda in Mexico.

Critics Raise Concerns About Telecom Control

Opponents argue that the bill would hand state control over the country’s telecommunications. A new agency, created by the bill, would replace the former independent telecoms regulator, which Sheinbaum’s allies in Congress abolished last year.

At a press conference, Sheinbaum said that Article 109 of the bill needed clarification. She stressed that the government had no intention to censor digital platforms or any other form of media.

“If it’s causing confusion and people think it’s about censorship, that has never been the goal,” Sheinbaum said. “The article should either be removed or its wording changed to make it clear that censorship will not happen.”

Calls for Wider Debate and Consultation

On Thursday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico called on the Senate to allow public consultation. It urged lawmakers to respect international standards on freedom of expression, digital rights, privacy, and Indigenous rights.

Although final Senate approval was initially planned for next week, Sheinbaum on Friday urged that the debate be extended. She suggested the discussion should continue over the coming weeks and months.

The ruling Morena party and its allies hold a strong majority in Congress. This majority has enabled them to pass major laws and constitutional reforms since Sheinbaum took office in October.

Opposition Warns of Broader Power Grab

Critics argue that the bill’s issues go beyond Article 109. They claim it is part of a broader attempt to increase government control.

“Morena is going for total control of the internet, social media, radio, and TV,” said opposition senator Ricardo Anaya on X. “This is not an isolated event. It is part of a plan for censorship and control.”

with inputs from Reuters