What’s Happening in Mexico Right Now?
Since January 9, 2026, Mexico has enforced the mandatory registration of all mobile phone lines (both prepaid and postpaid, physical SIMs and eSIMs). Users have until June 30, 2026 to link their phone number to their official identity (CURP + INE voter ID or passport). Anyone who fails to do so will have their line suspended (emergency calls only).
This measure, promoted as a way to combat extortion and fraud, effectively eliminates the anonymity previously offered by prepaid numbers, a tool widely used to protect privacy.
What exactly does the regulation require?
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Every phone line must be linked to a physical person (maximum 10 lines per person) or a legal entity. Parents are required to register the lines of their underage children.
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Required documents: Users must link their number to a government-issued photo ID along with their CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) and Voter ID Card (INE) or passport.
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Telecom companies are required to verify the user’s identity by consulting official government databases.
The government has also launched the website “RegistratuLinea” (Register Your Phone Line), where they provide tutorials and answers to frequently asked questions. I’ll share and translate some of them so you can get a clearer picture of the situation:
FAQ 3:
Q: What happens if I don’t register my line?
A: Your line will be canceled. You will no longer be able to access any services linked to that number.
FAQ 4:
Q: Will you take away my number if I don’t register it?
A: If you don’t register your line before June 30, your service will be suspended starting July 1. Once you complete the registration, you will be able to restore service.
Privacy Implications
Mexico has 133 million inhabitants, making it the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, the second most populous in Latin America (after Brazil), and the 11th most populous globally. At the same time, there are approximately 144 million active phone lines in the country, of which only 59 million have been registered so far. If this trend continues, by the June 30 deadline (in just 10 days), around 85 million lines could be deactivated, leaving millions of users without communication and without mobile internet access.
It’s important to remember that Mexico has high-risk areas due to drug trafficking activity, as well as a high rate of assassinations and kidnappings of journalists and politicians. In this context, privacy tools are not just important, they can be vital for people handling sensitive information. Signal is one of the best privacy-focused messaging apps, yet it still requires a phone number for registration.
Some of the main problems with this measure include:
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It creates a massive database linking phone numbers directly to real identities.
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It makes surveillance easier: any authority with access can track communications much more effectively.
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It increases the risk of data breaches (Mexico has suffered serious telecom incidents in the past).
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It creates a “chilling effect,” discouraging the use of disposable (“burner”) numbers for sensitive activities such as activism, journalism, or private transactions.
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Organizations like R3D (Network in Defense of Digital Rights) have strongly criticized the lack of sufficient safeguards against abuse.
While the government argues that this measure will help combat extortion and fraud, R3D has published an article stating that:
“The registration has been promoted as a tool to fight crimes such as extortion and virtual kidnapping. However, the GSMA — a global consortium of major mobile operators — has stated that there is no evidence that mandatory SIM registration actually reduces these crimes. On the contrary, such measures can have the opposite effect, increasing crimes like cellphone theft, SIM cloning, and smuggling. Additionally, it is estimated that 90% of phone extortions are carried out through VoIP services and other techniques that bypass SIM registration entirely.”
The Role of Zcash in Mexico
As many of you know, in November 2024 I founded the Zcash Querétaro Club – Mexico with the support of Zcash en Español. The goal has always been to put privacy-preserving tools — especially Zcash — into the hands of as many people as possible. Our activities are not just social meetups (although we do enjoy those too); they have a strong educational focus. We work with people who have little to no previous experience with cryptocurrencies, teaching them how to use a wallet and send and receive shielded transactions.
I’ve realized that while people do care about privacy, they are often not fully aware of how important it really is. That has been my biggest takeaway. That’s why at the Zcash Querétaro Club we always watch documentaries about the history of money and real-world events that help open people’s minds and make them understand why privacy matters. I was surprised to learn that none of the members had heard about the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
All club members have downloaded Signal, and we have an active group there for discussions and questions. I’ve also encouraged them to use ProtonMail and other privacy tools. The work is challenging when starting from zero, but it’s necessary. Zcash has had a profound impact on my life and has supported me through difficult times. I don’t just believe in the mission, I feel personally committed to advancing it.
The recent events forcing all residents to link their real identity to their phone line against their will have only strengthened my resolve to scale this mission here in Mexico. I want to bring Zcash to the media not as “the cryptocurrency of the moment” or “Bitcoin’s successor,” but as a vital tool for preserving privacy and staying safe. I hope to share more soon about some projects that are currently in development.
I don’t know what will happen on July 1. Maybe I’ll wake up with my mobile line deactivated, or maybe the government will realize the danger of this mass registration and back down before cutting off 85 million lines.
What is certain is that this situation proves Zcash is on the right path and that Mexico needs it now more than ever. The Zcash Querétaro Club is becoming a space for education, awareness, and empowerment, a place where citizens can recognize the value of their rights and better understand the bigger picture.
Thank you to all the Zcachers. You can follow the club’s X account, and thank you for supporting the mission.
I’ve created this address for those who want to support or simply leave a private message of support.