Mexico’s Congress is facing backlash after Deputy Armando Corona Arvizu of the ruling Morena party introduced a bill that would criminalize the creation or sharing of AI-generated memes mocking others without consent. The proposal, framed as a measure to protect citizens from “digital abuse,” would impose three to six years in prison and hefty fines on those who “create, manipulate, reproduce or disseminate” AI-generated images or videos that “ridicule, harass, or damage the reputation or dignity” of any individual. Penalties would increase by half if the content targets public officials, minors, or persons with disabilities, or if it goes viral online. Critics warn the law’s vague and sweeping language could easily be used to silence humor, parody, or legitimate political criticism.

By criminalizing digital “ridicule,” the bill effectively grants politicians and public figures the power to decide what constitutes offense—turning satire into a potential crime. Free speech advocates argue that this measure, much like past “anti-meme” and “censorship” laws proposed by Morena lawmakers, would chill political expression and stifle Mexico’s long tradition of humor as resistance. Rather than curbing disinformation, the law could serve as a tool for shielding officials from scrutiny under the guise of protecting “dignity.” Watchdog groups like Article 19 warn that, if passed, the measure would represent one of the most serious assaults on free speech in Mexico’s digital age.

SOURCE: Reclaim the Net