Introduction
The introduction of the Clave Única de Registro de Población (CURP) biométrica has sparked confusion among Mexican citizens regarding its mandatory use for government services. While President Claudia Sheinbaum clarified that the CURP biométrica is optional, other official sources suggest otherwise.
Official Stance vs. Public Perception
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the CURP biométrica is optional, emphasizing individual choice in providing personal data. However, the Secretaría de Gobernación and an article in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF) present a contrasting view.
DOF Article 91 Bis
According to Article 91 Bis of the reformed Ley General en Materia de Desaparición Forzada de Personas, CURP will be:
- Documento nacional de identificación obligatorio: It will be mandatory across Mexico’s territory.
- De aceptación universal: It will be universally recognized.
- Disponible en formato físico y digital: It will be accessible in both physical and digital forms.
Furthermore, public or private entities will be obligated to request CURP for service provision.
Penalties for Non-compliance
The DOF outlines penalties for non-compliance with CURP obligations, including fines ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 times the daily value of the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (approximately 1.13 to 2.26 million pesos).
Security Concerns
Questions about CURP biométrica’s security have emerged. The Mexican government asserts its robust infrastructure ensures safety, but the Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales raises concerns about a centralized, massive, and mandatory biometric database.
- Centralized and massive database: This structure may incentivize cyberattacks due to the high value of accessing such a database.
- Privacy, security, and human rights risks: The database poses significant threats to the privacy, security, and human rights of over 130 million Mexican residents and visitors.
CURP Biométrica: An Overview
The CURP biométrica entered force on July 17, granting a 90-day transition period for public and private entities to adapt. It officially began on October 16, offering an advanced version of the traditional CURP with digital and physical formats.
- New features: In addition to the 18 alphanumeric characters and personal data, the updated CURP includes biometric information such as fingerprints, iris scans, full-face photographs, and electronic signatures.
- Digital version management: The Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones oversees the digital CURP as a form of identification.
For more information on CURP biométrica registration, visit the relevant government resources.
Key Questions and Answers
- Is CURP biométrica mandatory? Officially, it is not mandatory according to President Claudia Sheinbaum. However, Article 91 Bis of the DOF states it is obligatory for government service provision.
- What are the security concerns? Critics, like the Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales, warn of privacy, security, and human rights risks due to the centralized and massive nature of the biometric database.
- What information does the CURP biométrica include? In addition to traditional CURP data, it incorporates fingerprints, iris scans, full-face photographs, and electronic signatures.
- Who manages the digital CURP? The Agencia de Transformación Digital y Telecomunicaciones is responsible for the digital CURP as a form of identification.
