Mexico’s Tax Authority Could Gain Real-Time Access to User Data on Digital Platforms, Raising Privacy Concerns
Mexico City – A newly approved reform to the Federal Tax Code, part of the broader Economic Package 2026, is sparking alarm among digital rights organizations who warn it could lead to widespread violations of digital privacy.The measure, passed last Friday by Morena and its allies, grants the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT – Mexico’s tax authority) permanent, online, and real-time access to user data held by digital service providers.
The reform introduces Article 30-B to the Federal Tax Code, compelling companies offering digital services to allow the SAT access to details needed to verify tax compliance. The approved text states that tax authorities “must allow… permanently, online and real-time access only to the information that allows verifying due compliance with tax obligations.” Agreements will be established with the Digital Transformation Agency and Telecommunications to facilitate this access.
What Information is at Risk?
Specifically, the SAT will be able to consult:
* Transaction records
* Billing history
* Payment receipts
* Subscription or consumption data with tax relevance
While the government maintains access will be limited to tax-related information, critics argue the language of Article 30-B is ambiguous and susceptible to broad interpretation.
“An act of nuisance without guarantees of due process and an uncontrolled interference in the right to privacy,” is how Article 19,an institution monitoring freedom of expression,described the measure. The group contends the reform allows for a “total invasion of citizen information without a concrete justification.”
Potential for Platform blockades
The reform also outlines penalties for non-compliance. Digital platforms – including streaming services and dating applications – that refuse to grant the SAT access could face temporary blocking within Mexico.
The obligation for companies to implement the necessary technical changes will take effect on April 1, 2026.
Next Steps & Broader Implications
The ruling now moves to the Senate for discussion and final approval. If passed, this reform promises to fundamentally reshape the relationship between the government, digital platforms, and users concerning tax control and data privacy. The debate highlights growing concerns about government surveillance and the protection of personal information in the digital age, and raises questions about the scope of tax enforcement versus individual rights.
