This week, an initiative was presented to reform the Federal Penal Code regarding digital violence, which includes cyberbullying and cyberharassment, clarifying that the use of memes is not a crime. However, on Thursday it was decided to withdraw it to legislate with greater consensus among the population. This was announced by Federal Deputy Ricardo Monreal Ávila, coordinator of the parliamentary fraction of Morena in San Lázaro.
The discarded project was published in the Parliamentary Gazette and included a chapter regarding crimes arising from the use of communication, information, and artificial intelligence technologies. The proposal was dubbed the "anti-meme law" and generated controversy due to its scope in regulating digital violence.
The initiative contemplated definitions of digital violence and referred to the use of information and communication technologies or artificial intelligence systems. Additionally, it established media violence as acts that promote discrimination and cause psychological, sexual, physical, economic, or property damage using such technologies.
The project stated that the production and dissemination of "modified content" that affects people's self-esteem, health, integrity, freedom, and security would be considered a crime. Administrative penalties were contemplated, including fines ranging from 500 to 1,000 Measurement and Update Units.
Due to the controversy and lack of consensus, Deputy Monreal Ávila decided to withdraw the proposal in order to address the issue of cybercrimes with greater popular support and discussion.
