Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has firmly rejected accusations that the recently approved National Investigation and Intelligence System Law will enable government surveillance of citizens without judicial oversight.
During her Wednesday morning press conference, Sheinbaum addressed widespread concerns following the Senate’s approval of what opposition parties have dubbed the “Spy Law.” The legislation has sparked significant controversy, with critics claiming it would allow security authorities to access citizens’ personal data and track their location without first obtaining a court order.
“The government is not going to spy on anyone,” Sheinbaum declared, emphasizing that no law can override constitutional protections. She specifically cited Article 16 of the Mexican Constitution, which mandates that private communications cannot be breached without judicial authorization.
Reactions from Opposition
- National Action Party Senate leader Ricardo Anaya claimed the ruling Morena party “consolidated the #SpyGovernment” with access to health, bank, and biometric data without judicial review.
- The Network in Defense of Digital Rights characterized the law as giving the government “permission to spy.”
Sheinbaum dismissed these allegations as “deliberately lying,” insisting that telephone interventions can only be approved by a judge, with limited exceptions for emergencies like kidnappings or missing persons cases.
Historical Context
The president referenced Mexico’s history of government surveillance, claiming her administration differs from previous governments that allegedly engaged in espionage against political opponents. “What we want is to build a safe country, in peace,” she stated.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions between government security measures and privacy concerns in Mexico’s evolving digital landscape.
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