Introduction
Starting January 9, 2026, Mexico will enforce a mandatory registration for mobile phone line users. The aim is to eliminate the anonymity that facilitates crimes such as extortion, fraud, and kidnapping.
Regulatory Framework
The Mexican Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (IFT) approved the timeline and guidelines for this mandatory registration. By June 29, 2026, all users must complete the registration process. From June 30 onwards, unregistered lines will be suspended.
Statistical Justification
The registration policy is supported by alarming statistics. According to the National Survey of Victimization and Perception of Public Security by INEGI, 4.9 million extortion cases occurred in 2023, equating to a rate of 5,213 extortions per 100,000 inhabitants. In 85.6% of the cases, the modality was telephonic, and in 12.9%, victims paid the extortion.
Policy Precedents
This is the third time Mexico has pursued mass user identification registration for telephony. Previous attempts, Panaut and Renaut, faced constitutional challenges due to conflicts with personal data protection and presumption of innocence guarantees. The Supreme Court declared some provisions invalid.
International Comparisons
Several Latin American countries have implemented similar registration or identification requirements for SIM card activation. Brazil formalized procedures, Argentina maintains registration obligations, and Chile, Peru, and others adopted comparable measures with varying degrees of regulatory oversight.
Challenges and Concerns
The high prepaid line usage (over 80% in 2024, equating to more than 125 million lines) presents logistical and social challenges. Millions of users will need to authenticate with their CURP or INE to maintain network access.
Moreover, over 21 million lines correspond to Virtual Mobile Network Operators who may not have the infrastructure for registration implementation.
Suspending unregistered lines within the deadline will impact access to TIC, internet, and telecommunications services, particularly affecting vulnerable groups relying on mobile packages for connectivity, job opportunities, education, mobility, or entertainment.
Data Protection and Inclusion
The responsibility of safeguarding data falls on telecommunications companies. Official guidelines state that information will be protected by operators under regulatory obligations, but judicial authorities will have access to line information for real-time tracking.
Mexico still faces identity formalization gaps, with millions lacking birth certificates or necessary documentation for official credentials, according to INEGI and UNICEF.
Practically, user registration poses a risk of exclusion for vulnerable individuals, migrants, and indigenous populations facing barriers in documentation but owning mobile lines for communication or work.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this registration? The aim is to eliminate anonymity that facilitates crimes like extortion, fraud, and kidnapping.
- When does the registration begin? January 9, 2026.
- What happens if I don’t register? Your service will be suspended from June 30, 2026.
- How will my data be protected? Telecommunications companies are responsible for safeguarding the information, although judicial authorities will have access for real-time tracking.
- What are the challenges? High prepaid line usage and potential infrastructure limitations for Virtual Mobile Network Operators pose logistical challenges.
- Who will be affected? Vulnerable groups, migrants, and indigenous populations may face exclusion due to documentation barriers.
- What international precedents exist? Several Latin American countries have implemented similar registration measures.
