Mexico senator seeks ban on signal jammers, citing criminal use

Senator Juanita Guerra Mena has introduced a proposal urging the National Guard and security secretariats across Mexico's 32 states to intensify efforts against the illicit sale and distribution of signal jamming devices, commonly known as "jammers." These devices continue to be offered on digital platforms, social media, and e-commerce sites, despite existing prohibitions.

Mena highlighted that telecommunications are a public service vital to the functioning of the Mexican state, ensuring fundamental rights, emergency response, civil protection, and public safety. She warned that any improper interference with communication networks poses a significant risk to the public and to the institutions responsible for security. The use of jammers can disrupt emergency calls, hinder rescue operations, affect location systems, and compromise institutional coordination during critical situations.

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Any interference in communication networks represents a risk to the population and to the operation of institutions responsible for security.

Federal law already addresses the issue, with Article 168 Ter of the Federal Penal Code stipulating prison sentences of 12 to 15 years for manufacturing, selling, acquiring, installing, possessing, using, or operating equipment that blocks or cancels cellular, radiocommunication, or data transmission signals. Furthermore, a reform effective January 24, 2024, amended the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law and the Federal Penal Code, explicitly prohibiting these devices except for authorized government authorities.

Despite these legal measures, the senator pointed out that jammers are still readily available online. This continued availability facilitates their improper acquisition and use, enabling criminal activities and disrupting essential state services. The proposal seeks to strengthen surveillance, investigation, monitoring, and reporting mechanisms to combat this ongoing problem.

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The use of jammers can interrupt emergency calls, hinder rescue operations, affect location systems, and compromise institutional coordination in risk situations.