Collaborative Approach Needed to Address Mexico’s Digitization

Q: How has the role of the Mexican Internet Association evolved since its founding in 1999 and what are its main priorities today?
A: We have evolved from focusing on advertising and online commerce to addressing key issues such as digital education, cybersecurity and Internet regulation. This change was consolidated in 2006 with our restructuring as Asociación Mexicana de Internet A.C., broadening the association’s focus to address the growing challenges of the digital environment in Mexico.

Currently, we are focused on promoting the responsible and productive use of the Internet, with an emphasis on emerging technologies such as AI, Big Data and the cloud. These innovations, which are transforming various sectors, are essential for the country's digital development and require a collaborative approach to address the associated global challenges.

Q: What are the main benefits that a company gets by joining the Mexican Internet Association and what competitive differences does it offer compared to other organizations in the sector?
A: The main benefit is access to exclusive studies on Internet behavior in Mexico, covering everything from e-commerce to cybersecurity. This data allows companies to make informed decisions based on concrete and up-to-date figures. Unlike other organizations, our association has been a pioneer in compiling this data, which places us as a benchmark for companies seeking to understand the evolution of the digital ecosystem in the country.

Q: The association has more than 100 members in various areas of the digital economy. What are the sectors that have shown the greatest demand for digital services?
A: E-commerce has been a key driver, and this would not be possible without the parallel development of online financial services, which enable secure and efficient transaction. Another crucial sector is cybersecurity, whose growth is essential to protect online activities. In addition, online education has taken a central role, especially after the pandemic, when the need to complement face-to-face education with quality digital resources became evident, a phenomenon that continues to grow.

Q: What are the main challenges facing companies and users in terms of internet adoption?
A: The main challenge includes adapting to an adequate regulatory framework, which is essential to encourage investment and competition, especially in an environment such as Mexico's, which has proven attractive to foreign companies, particularly in key sectors such as data centers. However, challenges persist in telecommunications and competition in digital services. In addition to a growing risk in cybersecurity. As for users, security and education are essential, particularly in terms of responsible surfing, especially for children and adolescents.

We address these challenges by implementing educational programs, such as Like Inteligente, which educates users of all ages about the risks of online browsing and safety. In addition, we have established a focus on the digital transformation of companies, alerting them to evolving cyber threats, such as quantum computing, and promoting their adaptation to mitigate future vulnerabilities. Also, in the regulatory arena, we work with various entities to promote public policies that protect minors online.

Q: How does the Mexican Internet Association influence the formulation of programs that positively impact the digital industry in Mexico?
A: The association plays a key role in formulating public policy and promoting appropriate regulation for the digital sector. Through efforts such as the development of a public policy document, we have influenced the National System for the Protection of Children and Adolescents, promoting the adoption of regulatory measures to protect minors online, helping to create a safe and competitive environment.

Legislative monitoring is an essential tool to detect regulatory trends that may impact on our associates. This monitoring is complemented with analysis and discussion tables within the association's committees, where we evaluate legislative initiatives and their relevance for our members. The positions we generate from these analyses are presented to legislators and regulators in congresses and open parliaments, which allows us to influence the formulation of public policies. In addition, our positions are always backed by solid studies, both national and international, from entities such as the OAS or the World Bank, which ensures that our recommendations are well-founded and have a positive impact on the digital ecosystem and the country in general.

Q: What are the main regulatory challenges that the internet industry in Mexico is expected to face in the coming years?
A: Cybersecurity remains a key challenge for the industry in Mexico. Currently, the country does not have a specific law on the subject, and the association believes that rather than separate legislation, reforms to different regulatory frameworks are required to address omissions. It is essential that these regulations are understandable and accessible to the different actors involved, from engineers to lawyers and specialists in ethics and artificial intelligence.

Another challenge is the regulation of AI. We are committed to a model that encourages the development and application of this technology in Mexico, but with a balanced regulatory framework that is neither too restrictive nor excessively permissive. Content moderation is also a priority issue, because although companies have made progress in automation, human analysis is still necessary in certain cases, which poses regulatory challenges.

Finally, the adoption of cloud computing in the public sector faces regulatory restrictions that limit its use. We believe that these obstacles must be removed so that government entities can benefit from today's technologies with the same flexibility as the private sector.

Q: What strategies or initiatives is the association spearheading to bridge the digital divide and improve Internet access in underserved sectors?
A: We have been involved in digitalization strategies since 2000, collaborating with entities such as the SCT, Cofetel and IFT to expand access to technology, especially in vulnerable sectors. In addition to educational initiatives such as Like Inteligente, we have worked to facilitate the use of technology for senior citizens. Initiatives such as this have accompanied public efforts to bring Internet to hospitals, public squares and schools in communities with low consumption capacity, where private investment is not viable. Satellite connectivity has been a solution in these cases, although at high costs.

Q: As users, what can we do to continue enriching our digital ecosystem for the benefit of the community?
A: As users, we can enrich the digital ecosystem by diversifying our online activity. Beyond passive consumption, there are opportunities to interact, teach and share knowledge for the benefit of the community. From commenting on news and generating debate to participating in educational platforms and offering online courses, technology allows everyone to contribute value to their environment. Strategic use of the Internet not only enhances personal experience but also strengthens the digital economy and fosters growth of the connected society.

Q: What would be your top recommendation for companies looking to successfully overcome regulatory and technological challenges in the industry?
A: Managers should inform themselves through qualified sources, stay in constant training and foster strategic alliances. Rapid technological and regulatory evolution requires continuous updating to not lose relevance. In addition, collaboration with key players, including competitors, makes it possible to generate common positions in the face of regulations that have an impact on the sector.