Mexico Advances AI Governance with Landmark Legislative Proposal

By Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados

In April 2025, Mexico introduced a significant legislative proposal aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) through the Federal Law for the Ethical, Sovereign, and Inclusive Development of Artificial Intelligence. This initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to guide the development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies across various sectors in the country.

Enrique Diaz, partner of Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados, A.C., was part of the working group responsible for drafting the bill, which will now undergo review and analysis by the legislative branch.

With this, Goodrich, Riquelme y Asociados, A.C. reaffirms its commitment to a forward-looking Mexico, in support of legality and economic development.

Key Features of the Proposed Law

• Risk-Based Classification System: The bill introduces a "traffic light" system to categorize AI applications into four levels: minimal, limited, high, and prohibited risk. This framework aims to assess and manage the potential impact of AI technologies on society.

• Creation of Oversight Bodies: It proposes the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Council and a National Registry of AI Systems. These bodies would oversee the ethical development and deployment of AI, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Protection Against Harmful AI Uses: The legislation seeks to safeguard citizens, particularly minors, from harmful AI-generated content, such as manipulated media or surveillance systems that could infringe on privacy rights.

• Ethical and Inclusive Development: The bill emphasizes the importance of developing AI technologies that are ethical, inclusive, and respect national sovereignty. It encourages collaboration with academia and industry stakeholders to align AI development with human rights and democratic principles.

This legislative effort aligns with global movements toward responsible AI governance. The European Union (EU), for instance, has been proactive in promoting AI that serves humanity. The EU's approach emphasizes that AI should be developed and used in ways that respect fundamental rights and democratic values. This perspective is detailed in the EU's publication "Por una inteligencia artificial al servicio de las personas," which underscores the importance of ensuring that AI technologies are designed to benefit people and society as a whole. 

Furthermore, the EU and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries have established the Digital Alliance EU-LAC, aiming to foster cooperation in digital transformation, including AI governance. This alliance promotes shared values and collaborative efforts to ensure that digital technologies contribute to sustainable development and social inclusion.