A key to control them all: the biometric CURP and the centralization of power

The so-called "Llave MX" was approved by the Morena majority and its allies under the argument of eliminating bureaucracy. However, behind the discourse of efficiency lies a greater risk.

Opposing voices warn of the unprecedented concentration of personal and biometric information of all Mexican citizens. They alerted about the discretionary use of this data, which could open the door to state surveillance and political control disguised as digitalization.

The new legislation contemplates that the Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) with biometric data becomes a mandatory official identification. Additionally, all government procedures and services must exclusively accept this document, eliminating the possibility of presenting other identifications.

This measure, far from simplifying, imposes absolute control over the citizens' identification mechanisms.

A tool that paves the way to digital authoritarianism.

The so-called Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency will be responsible for overseeing this new system. This implies that a single agency will have privileged and centralized access to all Mexicans' personal information.

The creation of the Citizen Digital File will allow the government to interpret, integrate, and consult sensitive data, without establishing clear protection mechanisms, oversight or citizen audit.

Deputies from PAN and PRI warned that this initiative doesn't seek to modernize, but to control. PAN member Héctor Saúl Téllez pointed out that the biometric CURP is intended to be used as an authoritarian tool that will open the door to political espionage. Meanwhile, PRI member Arturo Yáñez Cuellar denounced that it's a deception that covers up centralism disguised as digital well-being.

Opposition legislators also recalled that biometric data is linked to security laws that haven't even been fully approved. This reinforces the concern about legislative improvisation and the opportunistic use of technology for political purposes.

The reform has already been sent to the Senate, where the discussion and firm rejection of those who still defend individual freedoms is expected to continue.

Meanwhile Morena boasts efficiency and digitalization, hiding a citizen control project under the guise of modernity. The "Llave MX" is not a tool of access, but a lock on freedom.