Overview and Background
The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has approved an initiative by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo to enact a new Ley Orgánica de la Armada de México, aiming to reorganize the naval forces’ responsibilities in customs control, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The new law was passed with 344 votes in favor and 127 against, intending to replace the existing law from 2021 under former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Key Provisions and Objectives
The new law, consisting of 101 articles and 5 transitional provisions, seeks to enhance the operational, strategic, technological, and cyber defense capabilities of the naval forces under the Secretaría de Marina. It focuses on improving personnel training, intelligence, and overall performance.
- Empowering the Mexican Navy to participate in cyber defense and cybersecurity activities related to military operations in the cyberspace.
- Authorizing the use of artificial intelligence as a technological tool for protection.
- Directing the naval forces to maintain constitutional order, safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity in various maritime zones, and enforce rights of sovereignty in the exclusive economic zone.
- Establishing the Mexican Navy as a National Maritime Authority and restructuring command levels.
Opposition Concerns
During the discussion, opposition members expressed concerns about the new law.
- Hernando Castañeda Córdova (PAN) warned about the lack of regulations regarding artificial intelligence, suggesting that Mexico does not have a law governing its use. He also pointed out the potential for data to be stored with foreign companies, raising concerns about data security and national interests.
- Graciela Ortiz González (PRI) argued that the new law grants the Mexican Navy excessive and discretionary powers in cyber defense, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, without a clear legal framework.
- Luis Arturo Oliver Cen (Morena) defended the proposal, emphasizing that cyberspace is a new battlefield and that the Mexican Navy must adapt to contemporary security challenges, including digital defense, intelligence, and sovereignty.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the new Ley Orgánica de la Armada de México?
The new law aims to strengthen the operational, strategic, technological, and cyber defense capabilities of Mexico’s naval forces by enhancing personnel training, intelligence, and overall performance. - What specific areas does the new law address?
The new law focuses on customs control, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and maintaining constitutional order. It also establishes the Mexican Navy as a National Maritime Authority and restructures command levels. - What are the concerns raised by opposition members?
Opposition members expressed concerns about the lack of regulations regarding artificial intelligence, potential data storage with foreign companies, and excessive discretionary powers granted to the Mexican Navy in cyber defense, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
