Cybercrime Surpasses Drug Profits in Mexico: Tech Week

Mexico is grappling with significant digital rights concerns due to the potential dissolution of INAI, which could compromise privacy protections and international agreements. Meanwhile, Google’s 2023 economic impact in Mexico reached MX$278 billion. However, Mexican cybercrime is on the rise, potentially becoming more profitable than drug trafficking due to lower operational costs and global reach. Additionally, Aguascalientes is emerging as a tech hub, driven by its growing semiconductor production.

Internationally, the White House and major tech companies are discussing increasing VPN bandwidth to combat censorship. Meanwhile, a new Slack study identifies five AI personas, underscoring the need for tailored strategies to boost AI adoption in the workplace.

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Mexico

INAI's Dissolution Threatens Mexico’s Digital Rights

The potential dissolution of the National Institute for Transparency and Access to Information (INAI) raises concerns  about the future of digital rights in Mexico, experts warn. The absence of an autonomous body responsible for protecting privacy and personal data could violate international treaties, such as Convention 108 with the European Union, and impact digital governance and international transactions, compromising security and regulation in the digital era.

Google’s 2023 Economic Impact in Mexico Reaches MX$278 Billion

At the Google for Mexico 2024 event, the company reiterated its commitment to the country’s economic, technological, and social development, highlighting Googles’ generate economic impact of MX$278 billion (US$13.8 billion) in Mexico in 2023, according to its latest impact report.

Mexico's Cybercrime Profits May Exceed Drug Trafficking Soon

Cybercrime in Mexico could generate more profits than drug trafficking due to its operational ease and profitability, according to an analysis by SILIKN's research unit. 

The research indicates that the growth in cybercrime nationwide has been driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies and increased Internet connectivity.  Unlike drug trafficking, which requires complex logistical infrastructure and high operational costs, cybercrime can be executed with relative ease from anywhere in the world, with minimal investment and significantly lower risk. 

AI Integration Key to Improving Water Management: Aqua Tech

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in water management systems could play a pivotal role in mitigating flood damage across Mexico, according to Marissa Mar Pecero, Senior Consultant in Education, Transparency, and Water-Related Technologies, Aqua Tech. Pecero highlighted the potential for AI to provide effective early warning systems during periods of heavy rainfall, such as the recent floods in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

Aguascalientes Leads Mexico’s Tech Surge with Semiconductor Role

Aguascalientes is emerging as a key hub for Mexico’s technology industry, driven primarily by its role in semiconductor production, strategic location, strong academic capacity, and a growing pool of young talent.

International

White House, Big Tech Discuss VPN Bandwidth to Counter Censorship

The White House convened representatives from Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Cloudflare, and civil society activists to discuss increasing bandwidth for Internet censorship circumvention tools. Supported by the US Open Technology Fund (OTF), this initiative aims to address the growing use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship in countries with severe restrictions on information access, such as Russia and Iran.

Understanding AI Personas to Enhance Workplace Adoption

A recent Slack study uncovers five distinct “AI personas” among workers, revealing that over two-thirds have yet to engage with AI at work. This segmentation offers valuable insights for employers looking to tailor strategies to boost AI adoption and productivity by addressing diverse levels of engagement and skepticism.