Mexico Archdiocese warns audience rights regulation must not enable censorship

Mexico's Archdiocese has cautioned against new regulations for audience rights, warning they could open the door to censorship. The religious publication "Desde la fe" stated that administrative authorities should not determine the "veracity, legitimacy or acceptability" of opinions broadcast on radio and television.

This warning comes as the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) consults the public on general guidelines for protecting audience rights. The proposed project seeks to establish mechanisms for viewers and listeners to exercise legally recognized rights. It suggests broadcasters ensure access to truthful, plural, clear, respectful, and inclusive information, maintain codes of ethics, and appoint ombudsmen to handle complaints.

The Archdiocese stressed that freedom of expression is a fundamental right and no authority can preemptively block the dissemination of ideas or information. It views the right of reply as a guarantee for seeking truth, asserting that diverse opinions strengthen democratic life and require citizens to be responsible in informing themselves, discerning, and forming their own judgments.

"Desde la fe" also called for regulating technological development, digital platforms, and algorithms to serve humanity rather than becoming tools for manipulation or polarization. The publication concluded that the debate should not only focus on the limits of state regulation but also incorporate the ethical responsibility of authorities, media, platforms, and citizens to simultaneously protect freedom, truth, and the common good in Mexico.