A media regulation proposal put forward by Mexico’s government has sparked fears of censorship in a country already grappling with bleak freedom of expression scores.
Under the plan, officials would be able to determine whether news coverage was sufficiently true or balanced, with breaches potentially costing companies as much as 1% of their annual revenue. Critics of the proposal pointed to the fact that Mexico is already one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists; nine were killed last year.
“The threat of sanctions alone …will have a chilling effect,” one opponent said. Mexico’s foreign minister countered the criticism, writing, “Mexico is living the freest and most democratic moment in its history.”
