The Special Auditor of Federalized Spending, Emilio Barriga, highlighted the significant advances in the digital evolution of the New Superior Audit Office of the Federation (ASF) since the beginning of his management, with the aim of equipping itself to the most prominent auditing institutions worldwide. Barriga mentioned the use of various technological tools, such as the Digital Mailbox, the Advanced Electronic Signature, SiCAF, and soon a tool for Artificial Intelligence that will improve auditing processes.
For his part, deputy Javier Herrera Borunda, president of the ASF's Surveillance Commission, announced that they will soon meet with Google to address the topic of Artificial Intelligence. He emphasized the importance of protecting and strengthening the autonomy of the ASF's management, as it is crucial for carefully analyzing the Public Account.
Along the same lines, deputy Ricardo Mejía Berdeja, president of the Commission on Transparency and Anti-Corruption, called for maintaining fluid communication between both instances to thoroughly understand the work of the Audit Office and take informed legislative measures. He highlighted the need to meet periodically to closely understand the work of the oversight body.
The Superior Auditor of the Federation, David Colmenares Páramo, emphasized the progress in the digitalization of audits at the state and municipal levels, as well as in the areas of Financial Compliance and Performance. He mentioned that thanks to the use of digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, more than half of the municipalities are audited comprehensively.
Regarding the oversight of federalized spending, the opening and closing of audits are done digitally, which has allowed for the detection of irregularities thanks to the use of technology. This year, it is expected to review 1,011 municipalities in 19 states in the Public Account 2024. Auditor Barriga noted that 6,000 public entities have been audited, achieving a 91% accuracy in the reviews.
The implementation of technology has also exposed the ASF to cyber-attacks from various countries. Master Marlen Morales Sánchez, head of the General Administration Unit, commented that they have faced situations of this type, even from Brazil, the Netherlands, and China.
In summary, the ASF has experienced significant advances in its digital transformation, which has allowed it to audit more municipalities comprehensively and efficiently, detecting irregularities and improving accuracy in its reviews.
