All mobile phones in Mexico must be registered to an identifiable individual or company starting in January. This regulation states that telecommunications companies may block both new and existing lines that do not meet this requirement.
The measure is part of a new regulatory framework approved by the telecommunications authority (IFT) and requires operators to eliminate the anonymous use of mobile numbers. The scheme applies to both prepaid and postpaid lines and includes active, corporate, and institutional numbers.
The move aims to make it harder for criminals to acquire “burner phones,” commonly used in telephone scams and other illicit activities. But digital civil rights groups argue the policy goes too far.
In 2021, a similar framework was proposed but was ultimately struck down by Mexico’s Supreme Court.
Telecommunications companies must implement technological platforms to register their mobile phone customers and notify them of the procedure. They will also be required to safeguard user information in accordance with current personal data protection laws.
To complete the process, users must provide a valid official ID and their Unique Population Registry Code (CURP). Accepted documents include voter ID cards and passports. For companies, registration will be done through the Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC).
The process can be done in person at service centers or through digital platforms enabled by each operator. The regulations allow companies to develop their own identity verification mechanisms, provided they comply with the authority’s technical guidelines.
The requirement applies to both physical SIMs and eSIMs, regardless of plan, operator, or contract type. National and foreign users with active lines in Mexico must complete the process within the deadlines.
The regulation does not contemplate direct financial penalties for users who fail to register.
If your phone is unregistered, a block on the line means you can’t make calls, send messages, or use mobile data. Service can only be restored once the user completes the registration process and submits the documentation to their operator.
The suspension does not imply immediate cancellation of the number, but is an administrative measure that will remain in effect until the owner regularizes their situation.
The information collected during registration will remain under the custody of the telecommunications companies. The regulatory authority indicated that a central federal government-administered registry will not be created.
Operators must comply with the Personal Data Protection Act Held by Private Parties and establish security measures to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, or illegal transfer of information.
Mandatory registration applies to all operators providing mobile services in Mexico, including those operating under wholesale or shared network plans.
Similar Mobile Phone Registries Arround the World
Mandatory mobile phone registration laws exist in numerous countries, though their implementation varies significantly. The universal legal rationale centers on enhancing national security and aiding law enforcement by preventing anonymous use of devices in crimes like terrorism and fraud, while also supporting consumer protection initiatives.
The practical application of these laws, however, differs widely. For example, Singapore has enforced strict, comprehensive registration for decades under its telecommunications act, requiring valid identification for all SIM cards. In contrast, while the United States lacks a federal registration law, carrier-led “Know Your Customer” checks fulfill a similar role, though prepaid phones can remain more anonymous. Enforcement severity also differs; countries like Nigeria and Pakistan have imposed deadlines after which unregistered phones are permanently deactivated.
The most significant legal divergence lies in privacy safeguards. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) imposes strict limits on how telecoms can store and use registration data, ensuring high security and purpose limitation. Conversely, laws in other regions may grant security services extensive data access with minimal judicial oversight. These differences highlight the global tension between the legal goals of security and the fundamental right to privacy.
Senior Editor Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a journalist, photographer, and expedition leader. Born in Mérida, Carlos holds degrees from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway.
