Mexico is preparing a landmark legal reform aimed at safeguarding its creative industries from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI). According to Expansion, the federal government, through the National Copyright Institute (Indautor) and the Legal Counsel of the Presidency, is working alongside multiple industry associations to draft legislation that would regulate AI’s application in fields such as dubbing, animation, broadcasting, cinema, literature, and music.

The central goal is to ensure that creative works and copyright are respected in an era where AI has made it possible to replicate voices, images, writing, music, and animation without consent. Per Expansion, the reform also intends to incorporate labor contract protections and expand the “Made in Mexico” certification to creative sectors, in order to guarantee quality and strengthen national production. This certification already exists in industries such as textiles, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods.

Since July, the federal government has collaborated with more than 128 organizations, including the National Association of Dubbing Professionals (ANPROD), the National Actors Association (ANDA), the Mexican Association of Broadcasters (AMELOC), the Mexican Association of Producers of Phonograms and Videograms (AMPROFON), and the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE). Together, they are shaping a legislative project that could introduce reforms to Mexico’s Federal Copyright Law. These updates may prohibit the use of synthetic dubbing without prior consent, establish sanctions for unauthorized AI-generated voices, and even allow for the registration of voice and image as biometric data.

Read more: Mexico Strengthens AI Oversight with New Legislation

Aurora Mijangos, an actress, dubbing director, broadcaster, and coordinator of the movement for AI regulation, emphasized that the initiative is being designed with a holistic perspective, covering not only AI but also broader challenges affecting creative professionals. She explained that while specific topics are still under discussion, the reform is the first to consider issues related to worker contracts and the protection of labor rights.

The legislation, which has been under development for several months, is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, marking a significant step in the regulation of AI within Mexico’s cultural and creative sectors.

Source: Expansion