Introduction
In today’s climate of public apologies, Morena and the Fourth Transformation find themselves seeking forgiveness from Mexican citizens for failing to protect personal data, surveillance, espionage, and political control. This article delves into the irony of these public apologies while the Mexican government simultaneously undermines data protection for millions.
Recent Public Apology: Karla Estrella vs. Karina Barrera
The most recent instance of a forced public apology involves Karla Estrella, an ordinary citizen, being ordered to apologize publicly for 30 days to Karina Barrera, a PT party legislator. The offense? Minimizing Barrera’s capabilities and political experience. This situation highlights the stark contrast between a powerless citizen and a public official backed by state resources.
The Fourth Transformation’s Apology
Morena and the Fourth Transformation have apologized for dismantling the Institute for Access to Information (INAI), an autonomous body that held the government accountable. The INAI’s responsibilities were transferred to the Secretariat for Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, effectively eliminating a crucial check on government data collection and management.
Reasons for Dismantling INAI
Morena argues that the INAI received irrelevant questions. However, this move is part of a broader agenda promoting opacity and surveillance. By absorbing the autonomous transparency body, the government effectively eliminates the primary mechanism for supervising and ensuring accountability in its data collection and management.
Transparency Issues
The Fourth Transformation has apologized for the malfunctions of Compranet, a platform intended to increase government contract transparency. The genuine apology comes from the Public Works Law, which allows the armed forces to classify projects as “national security” to evade transparency requests. Millions of pesos in public works become “protected data” for public scrutiny.
Problems with the National Transparency Platform
The Fourth Transformation’s apology for the National Transparency Platform (PNT) addresses difficulties users face in downloading information, a malfunctioning search tool, and added filters that make the platform confusing for new users or accessing historical data. Essentially, accessing information has become a privilege for those already initiated.
Censorship Laws and Attacks on Freedom of Expression
The Fourth Transformation apologizes for “censorship laws” in various states, attempts to curtail freedom of expression. These efforts, combined with attacks on communicators and media in several entities, represent a significant erosion of fundamental expression and information rights.
Impact on Dissidence and Independent Journalism
This strategy of deliberate obstruction to transparency, along with the centralization of citizen data under a legal framework without checks and balances, creates an environment where dissent and independent journalism are threatened. The digital space for free opinion exchange turns into a tool for state control and censorship, directly attacking democratic principles.
Apologies for Fundamental Rights Violations
The Fourth Transformation apologizes for violations of fundamental rights, most notably the documented cases of illegal surveillance using Pegasus software by the army against human rights defenders and journalists. The ongoing illegal surveillance practice warrants an apology.
New Laws and Systemic Failure
Recently approved laws, with vague terms and lacking judicial oversight in surveillance, only facilitate and legitimize these practices. This systemic failure in protecting fundamental rights requires an apology, as the “rule of law” is twisted to serve state power rather than protect citizens, drifting towards authoritarianism.
Conclusion: Irony and the Future of Privacy in Mexico
The Fourth Transformation has built the most sophisticated surveillance system in Mexican history, with a legal framework legitimizing mass surveillance. While citizens are expected to apologize for criticizing the powerful, the government enjoys access to every detail of citizens’ private lives. The irony lies in a country where public officials’ critics face legal repercussions, yet the government’s data remains protected.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who should apologize to Mexican citizens when the surveillance system is complete? The government should apologize for transforming a promise of a fairer Mexico into a surveilled state where unprotected data is the new norm and freedom an exception.
- Who should be held accountable for turning citizen data into a national asset while restricting citizens’ rights? The Fourth Transformation and its supporters should take responsibility for this shift towards a surveilled society, undermining citizens’ fundamental rights.
