Mexican state uses AI law to arrest online critics
Mexican state uses AI law to arrest online critics
https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mexico-ai-press-9.7218263
Publish Date: 2026-06-02 04:00:00
Source Domain: www.cbc.ca
Authorities in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosí recently arrested two people linked to a Facebook page critical of the local government under a new artificial intelligence law that human rights and press freedom groups warn is being used to suppress political dissent.
San Luis Potosí’s Attorney General’s Office released a statement May 22 saying two women — Eréndira Reyes and her daughter, Alejandra Hermosillo — had been arrested on a judge’s warrant over suspected “simulated content with the appearance of authenticity” that allegedly harmed “the image, honour, public reputation and moral integrity” of an unidentified complainant.
Reyes founded San Wicho Times, a Facebook page that publishes news reports and commentary critical of Gov. Ricardo Gallardo Cordona and his allies. The page often posts AI-manipulated images and collages, sometimes mixing real photos with comic book-style graphics.
The case is among the first tests of changes San Luis Potosí, a small state in central Mexico, made to its criminal code in November to target the use of artificial intelligence in digital content. The law includes minimum sentences on conviction ranging from three to six years.
Critics say the law is too broad and can be weaponized by the state government to suppress dissent.
“It can easily be used as a tool by repressive state governments, municipal governments and powerful politicians,” said Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
“It means that artificial intelligence can now be added to sort of the big tool-set that is used to limit freedom of expression and increase censorship in the country.”
The state Attorney General’s Office did not respond to a request for comment.
Jan-Albert Hootsen, Mexico representative for the Committee to Protect Journalists, says San Luis Potosí’s artificial intelligence laws raise press freedom worries. (Courtesy of Jan-Albert Hootsen)
Six human rights and press freedom…
