Call Recording Laws in Mexico
Plain-English summary
The Mexican Supreme Court (Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación) has held that a participant in a conversation may record it without violating the constitutional protection of communications privacy, because there is no interception of communications between third parties. Commercial recording is regulated by the Ley Federal de Protección de Datos Personales en Posesión de los Particulares (LFPDPPP), enforced by INAI.
Statutory framework
- Constitución Política de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, Artículo 16. Privacy of communications.
- LFPDPPP. Private-sector data protection statute.
- Código Penal Federal. Criminal interception provisions.
Regulator guidance
INAI enforces the LFPDPPP and has issued guidance on call recording.
Workplace and business calls
Workplace recording requires employee notice and a defined purpose under LFPDPPP. The Federal Labor Law includes additional requirements for employee monitoring.
Cross-border and conflict-of-laws notes
LFPDPPP applies to processing of personal data in Mexico. INAI’s jurisdiction over international transfers is set out in the LFPDPPP regulations.
Penalties and remedies
Administrative: LFPDPPP fines up to approximately 320,000 days of UMA.
Criminal: separate Penal Code provisions for unauthorized interception.
Practical guidance
- Personal participant recording is lawful.
- Commercial recording requires LFPDPPP compliance and clear notice.
- Workplace recording requires employee notice under labor law.