Group Integral of Human Rights (GIDH) Warns Against Potential Risks
The Group Integral of Human Rights (GIDH) “Lex-magister” has expressed concern over the direction of digitalizing Mexico’s citizen identity, specifically with the implementation of the new biometric CURP pushed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
GIDH President Emphasizes Fundamental Principles
Jesús Rey Fierro Hernández, president of GIDH and a doctor in law, stressed that “all public policies must be unrestrictedly subject to the fundamental principles of legality, privacy, proportionality, and accountability.” He warned that without a solid and transparent legal framework, the biometric CURP poses a serious threat to the human rights of millions in Mexico.
Concerns Over Lack of Safeguards
Fierro Hernández denounced that the new identification system, which will store digital fingerprints, iris scans, facial photographs, and electronic signatures, lacks democratic controls, autonomous oversight, and reparation mechanisms in case of leaks or misuse. This could lead to arbitrary surveillance, identity theft, and privacy violations.
He further expressed alarm that the Mexican state, which has failed to protect its own institutional platforms, now aims to centralize the biometric data of the entire population without fully acknowledging its responsibilities. There are still no comprehensive guarantees or specific legal frameworks to ensure lawful and protected use.
Relevant Background on Cybersecurity
Jesús Rey, recipient of the National Human Rights Award 2017, reminded that during the previous administration, databases of the Secretariat of Defense and the Presidency were compromised, highlighting the structural weakness in Mexico’s cybersecurity.
“Digital transformation and modernization cannot occur without absolute respect for human rights. The ‘Guacamaya’ case in 2022 demonstrates that even the armed forces were unable to safeguard critical and national security information,” he emphasized.
Call for Stronger Legal Frameworks and Citizen Awareness
The human rights defender urged citizens to “inform themselves before providing biometric data on any digital platform” and demanded clear laws with security, transparency, and proportionality principles.
- Reject any measure without citizen audits and independent oversight.
- Actively participate in consultations on this matter.
He also called upon members of the Federal Congress to halt the widespread implementation of biometric CURP until a National Biometric Data Protection Law is established, stricter than the current General Data Protection Law for Private Parties.
