Mexico City enacts law punishing digital deception with 3-6 years prison

A new modification to the Penal Code in Mexico City took effect Thursday, introducing penalties for digital deception. The law establishes prison sentences ranging from three to six years for individuals who use fraudulent digital means to obtain personal or financial data.

The amendment, published in the Official Gazette of Mexico City, adds Article 231 Bis to the local Penal Code. It specifically addresses the creation or use of messages, websites, applications, or any technological interface that falsely appears legitimate. The aim of such deception is to induce individuals to reveal, capture, or provide sensitive information for illicit gain or to cause harm.

Furthermore, the law mandates increased penalties when the victims are particularly vulnerable. Sentences can be extended by up to half if the affected individual is a person with a disability, an elderly person, or a minor. These modifications, published Wednesday, July 22, became effective the following day.

The legislation aims to combat increasingly sophisticated online fraud schemes and protect citizens from digital predators seeking to exploit personal information for financial or other malicious purposes.