Introduction to the ATDT and its Initial Objectives
On November 14, 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum publicly introduced the new Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT). According to an official statement from the Presidency of the Republic, the ATDT aimed to “make existing in-person processes available digitally” and “generate savings and opportunities for zero corruption.” José Peña Merino, the head of ATDT, described it as “a truly unique model in the world in terms of organization,” while Sheinbaum emphasized that the goal was to “simplify life for Mexicans.”
Background and Controversy Surrounding ATDT’s Creation
However, the creation of the ATDT was more a result of the reform that abolished the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) and other state bodies with constitutional autonomy, which had irked former President López Obrador. The intention was for the ATDT to replace the IFT’s role as a telecommunications regulator, but now under executive control. When legislators aligned with the ruling party realized this move directly contradicted the T-MEC, adjustments were made. The Commission for Telecommunications Regulation was created, supposedly independent of the ATDT, and tasked with telecommunications and broadcasting regulation. Consequently, the ATDT’s purpose began to erode due to legislative improvisation.
Current Focus of the ATDT
As of today, the ATDT focuses on creating Coatlicue, a government supercomputer intended for tax evasion prevention and accelerating progress in health, climate, energy, and mobility with a public investment of 6 billion pesos. Merino explained this during President Sheinbaum’s morning press conference on November 26, 2024.
ATDT’s Involvement in Electoral Reform
On the other hand, according to Compras MX, another significant project of the ATDT is its collaboration in the electoral reform announced by Sheinbaum in August of this year. Out of 16 public procurement processes the agency has conducted so far in 2025, at least 7 are direct awards to companies or individuals providing services for “sampling, surveying, and supervising the National Housing Survey for Electoral Reform.” The total amount of these awards is $7,687,970.00 pesos. The ATDT claims its authority for these surveys is outlined in its Internal Regulations, granting the General Directorate of Citizen Attention the power to “design and direct campaigns for addressing citizens’ information demands and other solutions related to matters of public interest.” However, it seems the electoral survey does not address a citizen’s information demand.
Concerns Regarding ATDT’s Priorities
The ATDT does not appear to be heavily focused on digitalizing processes or eliminating corruption. It’s challenging to understand how a supercomputer for tax evasion prevention and 7 direct awards for electoral surveys will simplify life for Mexicans or lead to corruption elimination.
Growing Challenges in Managing Mexican Processes
Meanwhile, managing processes in Mexico becomes increasingly complicated. The Secretariat of Governance refuses to authenticate documents signed digitally by public officials; the Public Registry office in Mexico City displays signs stating no change is given, requiring exact payment for governmental rights; obtaining an appointment at the National Immigration Institute has become nearly impossible; and lines at the Banco del Bienestar stretch endlessly. It is hoped that the ATDT will return to its original objectives and adhere to the legal principle limiting its actions to granted powers.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the ATDT, and what were its initial objectives? The Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT) was created to digitize government processes and eliminate corruption. Its primary goals were to make existing in-person processes available online and ensure transparency by preventing corruption.
- Why was the ATDT established? The ATDT’s creation resulted from a reform that abolished the Federal Institute of Telecommunications (IFT) and other state bodies with constitutional autonomy, which had irked former President López Obrador. The intention was to replace the IFT’s role as a telecommunications regulator under executive control.
- What projects is the ATDT currently working on? The ATDT focuses on creating Coatlicue, a government supercomputer for tax evasion prevention and accelerating progress in various sectors. It is also involved in electoral reform, awarding direct contracts for national housing surveys.
- Are the ATDT’s current priorities aligned with its initial objectives? There are concerns that the ATDT’s current focus on a supercomputer for tax evasion prevention and electoral surveys does not align with its original goals of digitalizing processes and eliminating corruption.
- What challenges do Mexicans face in managing government processes? Mexicans encounter difficulties in obtaining authenticated digital signatures, paying exact governmental rights, securing appointments at relevant offices, and enduring long lines at banks. It is hoped that the ATDT will prioritize addressing these issues.
