Politics · Mexico · 2 hrs ago
Mexico Senate committees approve copyright bill that critics say risks censorship
Two committees in Mexico’s Senate approved a copyright bill by 19 votes to seven, after less than 40 minutes and little debate.
The bill, promoted by President Claudia Sheinbaum, would make digital platforms and internet providers responsible for responding to copyright complaints.
Companies would need to remove flagged material and could face fines of more than 4.3 million pesos if they fail to act promptly.
The proposal also allows repeat offenders’ accounts or internet service to be suspended, and sets controls on unauthorized use of faces, voices and altered images.
Opposition lawmakers warn the rules could enable censorship and limit access to the internet, including for other people sharing a connection.
The bill has been sent to the Senate floor for the next stage of consideration; the sources say it could be considered there on Tuesday.
Senate committees in Mexico approved a copyright bill on November 3 by 19 votes to seven.
The bill would require digital platforms and internet service providers to respond to copyright complaints and address repeat violations.
Platforms that fail to remove allegedly infringing content promptly could face fines of up to 40,000 units of measurement and update, or more than 4.3 million pesos.
Opposition lawmakers say the measures could enable censorship and restrict access to the internet and other rights.
The bill was sent to the Senate floor for the next stage of consideration.
- Who
- The Senate committees on Economy and First Legislative Studies approved the bill. Senators from Morena and its allies voted in favor; opposition senators voted against.
- What
- The committees approved a proposed amendment to Mexico’s Federal Copyright Law. It would impose new duties on digital platforms and internet service providers.
- When
- November 3, 2026.
- Where
- The Senate of the Republic of Mexico.
- Why
- The bill aims to regulate platforms’ and internet providers’ responsibilities for copyright infringement. Opponents say it risks censorship and could limit access to other rights.
Bill proponents
Opposition lawmakers
Purpose of the bill
Bill proponents
The proposal aims to regulate platform responsibility for piracy and copyright violations.
Opposition lawmakers
The bill could be used to censor online content, including critical content.
Internet access measures
Bill proponents
The proposal requires providers to address repeated copyright violations, including by suspending or cancelling service.
Opposition lawmakers
Opponents warn that suspending internet service could affect users’ access to other rights and people sharing the same connection.
Senate committees approved the bill by 19 votes to seven after a session lasting less than 40 minutes.
The bill was sent to the Senate floor for the next stage of consideration.
- Committee vote
- 19 in favor; 7 against
- Session length
- Less than 40 minutes
- Maximum fine
- 40,000 UMA, more than 4.3 million pesos
- Amended provision
- Article 114 Octies
- Additional provisions
- Articles 114 Nonies and 232 Septies
5 sources
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