Introduction to the Puebla Cybersecurity Reform
On June 12, the Puebla Congress approved a new Cybersecurity Law with the aim of safeguarding citizens from current digital risks. The legislative change intends to modify the Puebla Criminal Code by categorizing three new offenses:
- Cyberblockade
- Digital Spying
- Identity Theft
With 35 votes in favor, five against, and one abstention, the local lawmakers endorsed José Luis García Parra’s initiative. The proposed law also included digital fraud, cyberbullying, and grooming.
Controversy Surrounding Puebla’s Cybersecurity Law
The approval of this reform comes amidst controversy due to an anonymous account on the X platform called “Aldea Poblana,” which has consistently criticized Puebla’s authorities.
Activist groups like Article 19 and the Network of Journalists have warned that the reform could be arbitrarily used against citizens, particularly journalists, media outlets, and activists. They argue that these legislative changes provide the Puebla government with tools to identify and penalize its critics.
The Congress of Puebla’s Objective
Despite the criticism, the Puebla Congress asserts that the reform aims to address the urgent need for legal tools enabling authorities to effectively combat digital crimes.
“With this action, the State Government reaffirms its commitment to security, justice, and the well-being of all Puebla families. Puebla moves towards greater protection of its population, both in the physical and digital realms,” they stated.
Penalties
The offense of Cyberblockade (insulting, offending, provoking, or harassing someone persistently enough to significantly harm their health) carries a penalty of 11 months to 3 years in prison, along with a fine ranging from 50 to 250 Units of Minimum Account (UMAS), equivalent to a monetary penalty of up to 33,000 pesos.
Identity theft penalizes individuals who use digital spaces to lure minors for sexual purposes or attempt to impersonate financial institutions to obtain confidential citizen information.
Digital spying sanctions those who access a computer device or computing system without the legitimate owner’s or proprietor’s authorization, intending to learn or acquire personal information or documents.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of Puebla’s Cybersecurity Reform? The reform aims to protect citizens from digital risks by categorizing new offenses and providing legal tools for authorities to combat cybercrimes effectively.
- What are the new offenses under this reform? The three new offenses are Cyberblockade, Digital Spying, and Identity Theft.
- Who has criticized the reform? Activist groups like Article 19 and the Network of Journalists have raised concerns about potential arbitrary use against citizens, journalists, media outlets, and activists.
- What are the penalties for these new offenses? Penalties range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the offense. Cyberblockade can lead to 11 months to 3 years in prison and fines of 50 to 250 UMAS (up to 33,000 pesos), while Digital Spying and Identity Theft have varying penalties based on the nature of the offense.
