Mexico data protection body to challenge biometric data registry at Supreme court Reuters 2 hrs ago © Reuters/EDGARD GARRIDO FILE PHOTO: A fingerprint sensor is pictured on a mobile phone in Mexico City
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico s data protection body plans to challenge a controversial new law that requires telecoms companies to gather user biometric data, saying it will argue before the Supreme Court that it violates privacy rights.
The law, which passed in April, is aimed at reducing crimes like extortion and kidnapping by making it more difficult for criminals to remain anonymous when purchasing new mobile phones.
The action will be brought by the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI).
Mexico data protection body to challenge biometric data
trust.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from trust.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Mexico data protection body to challenge biometric data registry at Supreme court
swissinfo.ch - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from swissinfo.ch Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
7 Min Read
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - A plan by Mexican lawmakers to put millions of cell phone users’ data in a biometric registry, billed as a tool to fight kidnapping and extortion, has sparked a backlash from telecoms companies and rights groups who warn it could lead to stolen data and higher costs.
A man takes photos in front of National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico, February 3, 2021. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Already approved in the lower house of Congress, the reform is in line with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s vow to counter crime using intelligence methods rather than force, but critics say it reveals the pitfalls of governments seeking to gather more citizen data for law enforcement purposes.