In 2018, Mexico became the first Latin American country to announce a national AI strategy. However, a change in administration at the end of that year has put previous AI policy initiatives on hold. The current status of the 2018 strategy is unclear, as it is no longer publicised on official government websites.
Despite this change, a multi-stakeholder coalition called IA2030.Mx issued a Mexican National AI Agenda in 2020, aiming to coordinate efforts and promote continued action on AI development. This agenda focuses on key areas such as data infrastructure, ethics, research and development, and governance.
Mexico has a comprehensive data protection framework, with laws governing both the private and public sectors. The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) is the primary authority responsible for enforcing these laws.
In May 2022, the INAI issued recommendations for the processing of personal data in AI systems, outlining principles such as transparency, human-centered values, and accountability. These recommendations align with international standards like the OECD AI Principles.
Mexico has also endorsed the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and is taking steps to implement it, including establishing institutional infrastructures to oversee ethical AI development.
The Mexican AI National Agenda was developed through a broad public participation exercise, involving over 110 institutions and a national consultation with over 1,500 participants. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of public consultation processes, particularly regarding proposed amendments to legislation affecting digital rights and privacy.
While algorithmic transparency is not explicitly mentioned in Mexican data protection laws, the INAI's 2022 recommendations emphasise transparency and explainability as key principles for AI systems.
Mexico has approved the Ibero American Charter on Artificial Intelligence in Civil Service, which provides a roadmap for implementing AI in public administration. The charter outlines ethical considerations and establishes risk classification mechanisms for AI systems.
However, concerns have been raised about the use of education technology (EdTech) endorsed by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Human Rights Watch report found that some EdTech products used in Mexico sent children's data to advertising technology companies, potentially violating children's rights.
Freedom House rates Mexico as "partly free" (60/100) due to rule of law deficits that limit full citizen enjoyment of political rights and civil liberties. The country has faced challenges in addressing structural discrimination and inequality, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis.
Mexico has taken an active role in international cooperation for ethical AI development, endorsing the OECD AI Principles and G20 AI Guidelines. It is also a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI).
While Mexico was an early leader in Latin American AI policy, recent years have seen a slowdown in government-led initiatives. The country now faces the challenge of reviving its national AI strategy while addressing growing concerns about AI-powered surveillance, data protection, and the ethical use of AI in various sectors.
This country report is our interpretation and summary of the "CAIDP Artificial Intelligence & Democratic Values Index 2023". The full report can be found here - https://www.caidp.org/reports/aidv-2023/