Mexico Congress Starts Bicameral Talks on Unified AI Law

Legislators from Mexico's Chamber of Deputies and Senate have launched a bicameral dialogue to coordinate efforts in creating a unified legal framework for AI. The initiative aims to align existing  proposals and develop legislation that addresses both the opportunities and risks of this technology.

Eruviel Avila, President of the Science, Technology and Innovation Commission, PVEM, explained that the goal is to establish balanced regulation—a “middle ground” approach that fosters innovation without imposing a “straitjacket” on developers. He acknowledged that AI presents significant benefits alongside challenges requiring legislative attention.

The urgency of this initiative reflects the rapid growth of Mexico’s AI sector. According to the study “The era of AI in Mexico", by Endeavor Mexico and Santander Mexico, the country led Latin America in AI company growth from 2018 to 2024, with a 965% increase and 362 new firms generating over 11,000 jobs. These companies had an estimated market value of US$98 million in 2024, projected to reach US$450 million in 2025.

During the session, the presidents of the specialized commissions from both chambers formally exchanged their legislative proposals. The framework aims to establish principles, values, registries, and technical standards for AI, streamlining efforts through this collaborative bicameral process.

A key concern is AI’s impact on the labor market. Ávila cited the US, where nearly one-third of open IT positions are exclusively for AI specialists, highlighting the potential for workforce displacement in Mexico—a scenario the legislation seeks to prevent or mitigate through targeted policies.

The dialogue also addressed other critical dimensions. Senator Juanita Guerra (PVEM) stressed that AI should be treated as a matter of national security, beyond its role as a technological tool. Deputy Rosalia León (PT) emphasized incorporating ethical standards to ensure responsible use.

Deputy Juan Antonio González (Morena) called for consolidating all existing initiatives into a single legislative proposal, aiming to avoid fragmentation and create a unified law tailored to Mexico’s needs.

Legislators agreed on the need for a regulatory framework that reflects joint work and aligns with the technological landscape. The shared objective is to produce a responsible and effective law applicable across public safety, daily activities, and other sectors, setting a precedent for technological development in Mexico.

Legislators agreed on the necessity for a regulatory framework that results from joint work and aligns with the current technological landscape. The shared objective is to achieve a responsible and efficient law applicable to diverse areas, from public safety to daily activities, setting a regulatory precedent for technological development in the country.