Mexico Unveils National Declaration on Ethical AI
On January 29, 2026, Mexico’s Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology and Innovation (Secihti) and the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications (ATDT) introduced a groundbreaking Declaration of Ethics and Best Practices for the use and development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This declaration sets forth guiding principles aimed at shaping how AI is designed, deployed, and evaluated throughout the nation.
Purpose and Scope
The declaration serves as a roadmap for public policy and a voluntary framework applicable to government institutions, autonomous bodies, private companies, and civil society organizations. The initiative aims to ensure that AI development in Mexico enhances social welfare, promotes inclusion, ensures accountability, and maintains technological sovereignty.
Significance of AI
Secihti head Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez emphasized the significance of AI as one of the most transformative technological advancements of our time, capable of augmenting social well-being and contributing to sustainable development. However, she also cautioned that without proper safeguards, AI systems could exacerbate inequalities, perpetuate discrimination, and infringe upon human rights.
Core Commitments of the Declaration
Grounded in the Chapultepec Principles, developed collaboratively by Secihti and ATDT, the declaration outlines ten core commitments:
- AI should expand rights rather than restrict them.
- Decisions supported by AI must have clear human accountability.
- Systems that lack explainability should not be automated.
- Data, regarded as a public good, must be managed responsibly.
- The principles also address collective governance, cultural and linguistic diversity, national needs, education, and public value.
Forum on AI in Public Life
The framework was introduced during the forum titled “Artificial Intelligence in Public Life in Mexico,” held at the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The event featured lawmakers, academics, and policy experts engaging in panel discussions about AI’s role in justice, democratic participation, social rights, and national development.
Legislative and Regulatory Implications
Senate committee chair Susana Harp Iturribarría characterized AI as a disruptive force that could either enhance rights or deepen existing inequalities. The declaration is intended to guide legislative and regulatory efforts as Mexico formulates its long-term AI governance strategy.
Conclusion
With this declaration, Mexico is poised to take significant steps in ethical AI governance, ensuring that technology serves the public good while safeguarding human rights. Organizations and individuals interested in understanding how these AI policies could impact them are encouraged to seek guidance from experts in the field.
