03/06/2026
🇲🇽 Ricardo Salinas Pliego Sparks Debate Over Mobile and Biometric Data Registration in Mexico
Businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego has sparked renewed discussion in Mexico after warning citizens against registering their mobile phones or providing biometric data to the federal government.
He argued in recent interviews and public statements that sharing sensitive personal information with the state could pose risks if such data is misused, mishandled, or leaked.
The debate has intensified following proposals related to national identity and security databases. The government states that these measures are intended to strengthen public security and help combat crime, while critics raise concerns about privacy, surveillance, and data protection.
Salinas questioned why citizens should be required to submit additional personal information, especially amid ongoing concerns about trust in public institutions.
The discussion also revived memories of past major scandals, including the case of former security official Genaro García Luna, who was convicted in the United States for ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, as well as the Odebrecht corruption investigation that affected several Latin American governments.
These events continue to shape public debate in Mexico over privacy, security, and the limits of government authority.
