At the end of 2024, viral content began circulating on social media mentioning possible million-dollar fines for people installing surveillance cameras in their homes or businesses, even blaming the government and its party for these alleged charges. The rumor was based on a misunderstanding of the Transparency Law and the powers of the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), also taking advantage of the perception of insecurity in certain sectors to spread misinformation.
The commissioner of the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Personal Data Protection (INAI), Julieta del Río, reported that they have received inquiries from citizens concerned about this issue. She clarified that only the INAI has the authority to impose fines under the Personal Data Protection Law in the possession of individuals.
For his part, Óscar Samuel Montoya, director of Sanctions at INAI, clarified that fines would only be applied to those who install cameras for dissemination or commercial purposes. He stressed that citizens who place cameras for personal or private reasons would not be subject to any penalties.
Amid growing public concern over this false information, authorities have emphasized the importance of verifying the accuracy of news before spreading it to avoid falling into misinformation and generating unnecessary panic.
