Mexico drafts first AI law to protect creative workers from voice theft

Mexico’s federal government is developing landmark legislation to regulate artificial intelligence use in creative industries, working with over 128 organizations including dubbing professionals, actors, broadcasters, and film institutes. The reform aims to protect creative works and copyright while preventing unauthorized AI replication of voices, images, music, and other artistic content.

Why this matters: The legislation represents Mexico’s first comprehensive approach to AI regulation in cultural sectors, addressing both technological misuse and broader labor protections for creative professionals.

• The National Copyright Institute (Indautor), Mexico’s federal copyright agency, and the Legal Counsel of the Presidency are leading the initiative alongside industry associations from dubbing, animation, broadcasting, cinema, literature, and music.
• Proposed reforms to Mexico’s Federal Copyright Law may prohibit synthetic dubbing without prior consent and establish sanctions for unauthorized AI-generated voices.
• The legislation could allow registration of voice and image as biometric data, providing legal protection for performers’ digital identities.

Who’s involved: More than 128 organizations are collaborating on the legislative framework, spanning Mexico’s entire creative ecosystem.

• Key participants include the National Association of Dubbing Professionals (ANPROD), National Actors Association (ANDA), Mexican Association of Broadcasters (AMELOC), Mexican Association of Producers of Phonograms and Videograms (AMPROFON), and the Mexican Institute of Cinematography (IMCINE).
• Aurora Mijangos, an actress, dubbing director, and coordinator of the AI regulation movement, is helping shape the initiative with a focus on worker protections.

The big picture: The reform extends beyond AI regulation to strengthen Mexico’s creative economy through expanded “Made in Mexico” certification and enhanced labor contract protections.

• The certification program, already used in textiles, automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, would guarantee quality and strengthen national production in creative sectors.
• The legislation takes a holistic approach, addressing worker contracts and labor rights alongside AI-specific concerns.

What’s next: Development has been underway for several months, with finalization expected by the end of the year.

What they’re saying: “The initiative is being designed with a holistic perspective, covering not only AI but also broader challenges affecting creative professionals,” Mijangos explained, noting that “the reform is the first to consider issues related to worker contracts and the protection of labor rights.”