Introduction to the Biometric CURP in Mexico
The Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) with biometric data has become a reality in Mexico. Starting on October 16, this new identification system is expected to be necessary for future public and private sector transactions. But can you apply for it online without leaving your home or standing in long lines?
Current Application Process
The biometric CURP, which comes in both physical and digital formats, can be requested in person at one of the modules being set up across the country. As of now, there are 145 service centers in Registro Civil and Registro Nacional de Población (Renapo) offices at the state level, as well as adapted properties by the Secretariat of the Interior.
Concerns from Watchdog Organizations
México Evalúa acknowledges that eliminating duplicate processes and endless queues is a desirable goal; however, they argue that the issue lies not in digitalization itself but in its implementation and the data it requires. They also emphasize the importance of how personal information is safeguarded with keys like the biometric CURP and Llave Mx.
In an analysis by Ana Lilia Moreno, it is stated that the federal government has formalized the obligatory use of Llave MX through the biometric CURP. “This dual system enables citizens’ access to a digital platform that will be the sole mechanism for fulfilling governmental tasks and paying public services. Although such measures promise efficiency, they also raise technical, legal, and ethical risks that will disproportionately affect various economic actors.”
Meanwhile, the Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales commented that this registration would build a centralized, massive, and mandatory biometric database. They warned that such a system could create incentives for hackers to breach it through cyberattacks or other methods, as the reward for successfully accessing a single database is invaluable.
What is the Biometric CURP?
The biometric CURP is an advanced version of the traditional CURP we are familiar with. In addition to the 18 alphanumeric characters and personal data (name, sex, birthplace, and nationality), the new registration includes biometric information like fingerprints, iris scan, full-face photograph, and electronic signature.
The new document took effect on July 17. According to the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), institutions and private entities were given a 90-day natural period to adopt it, which ended on October 16.
“The Clave Única de Registro de Población (…) will be the mandatory national identification document, universally accepted and obligatory throughout the national territory, available in both physical and digital formats,” states Article 91 BIS of the reformed Ley General en Materia de Desaparición Forzada de Personas, Desaparición cometida por particulares y del Sistema Nacional de Búsqueda de Personas published in the DOF.
It also stipulates that “all public or private entity will be obligated to request this document for the provision of their services,”
The DOF further specifies that authorities at all levels of government and private entities failing to comply with obligations outlined in Article 91 BIS of this law, after repeated non-compliance warnings, will be penalized with fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 times the daily value of the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), equivalent to between 1.13 and 2.26 million pesos.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Can I apply for the biometric CURP online? A: No, currently, you must apply in person at one of the designated modules across Mexico.
- Q: What information does the biometric CURP include? A: In addition to traditional CURP data, it includes fingerprints, iris scan, full-face photograph, and electronic signature.
- Q: When did the biometric CURP become effective? A: It took effect on July 17, with a transition period ending on October 16.
- Q: What are the concerns surrounding the biometric CURP? A: Watchdog organizations express worries about potential technical, legal, and ethical risks associated with a centralized biometric database.
