Sheinbaum Opens National Dialogue on AI and Tech in Schools

On June 2, President Claudia Sheinbaum called for a nationwide debate on regulating artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and social media during her morning press conference at the National Palace. The announcement came in response to questions about technology's impact on minors.

Sheinbaum asked the Education Ministry, led by Mario Delgado, to launch a consultation with parents about smartphone use in primary schools and the potential effects of screen time on children and teenagers. According to reporting from Heraldo de México, the president emphasized that regulation must eventually happen, clarifying that her proposal does not aim to restrict freedom of expression.

Legislative Framework Taking Shape

The initiative arrives as the Mexican Senate debates several bills to establish a national AI regulatory framework. Two proposals have reached Congress:

Both bills propose algorithmic auditing mechanisms and a supervisory body, though they differ on whether oversight should fall to the Federal Telecommunications Institute or a new specialized national commission.

Broader Electoral Context

This debate fits within the electoral reform proposal Sheinbaum announced earlier this year, which includes regulating and penalizing AI use in electoral campaigns, according to reporting from Expansión. The Education Ministry will coordinate the consultation on smartphone use in schools, though no deadline was specified in the announcement.

As Senate commissions advance their own review processes this summer, Mexico's AI regulation debate is only beginning to take concrete shape.

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