Mexico Introduces Biometric CURP Despite Privacy Worries

Published Date : 10/24/2025 

Mexico has officially launched its biometric CURP, a modernized version of the Unique Population Registry Code, despite ongoing data privacy and security concerns from rights advocates and cybersecurity experts. 

Mexico’s biometric CURP has become the country’s official personal biometric identification despite lingering concerns from rights advocates about data privacy and security. The national ID went into official use on October 16, and public and private sector institutions are now expected to accept it as the official identity for service access.

Mexicans who participated in a pilot program are already receiving their IDs, as reported by The Yucatan Times. Arturo Arce Vargas, the head of the National Population Registry (Renapo), reiterated that the biometric CURP is optional for a start. However, by February of next year, it will become mandatory, meaning every citizen will be required to possess it to access services in the public and private sectors.

For now, the biometric CURP is already a requirement for various transactions, including access to medical services and patient records, bank account opening and loans, immigration and naturalization procedures, social protection programs, and school registration.

The biometric CURP, which is a modernized biometrics-based version of Mexico’s existing Unique Population Registry Code (CURP), has faced criticisms from several quarters since it was gazetted by the government in July. Some courts in the country even issued injunctions calling for a halt to its issuance in some parts of Mexico after complainants filed petitions.

While the government has explained that the system is necessary to protect people’s identity and facilitate the search for missing persons, a common phenomenon in the country, critics argue it would violate human rights if necessary safeguards are not in place. Given that the CURP involves face, fingerprint, and iris biometrics collected from citizens, cybersecurity experts have called on the government to put in place appropriate measures to guarantee data protection.

Last month, the biometric CURP was linked to a secure digital ID platform to facilitate authentication, and the government has also engaged in a contract to secure cloud services for the biometric identity system as part of data security measures. Despite these efforts, ongoing concerns remain about the potential misuse of biometric data.

The implementation of the biometric CURP is a significant step in modernizing Mexico’s identity management system. However, the balance between enhancing security and protecting individual rights remains a critical issue that the government must address to gain public trust and ensure the success of this initiative. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is the biometric CURP?

A: The biometric CURP is a modernized version of Mexico’s Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) that incorporates biometric data such as face, fingerprint, and iris scans to enhance identity verification and security.

Q: When did the biometric CURP become official?

A: The biometric CURP became official on October 16, 2025, and is now accepted as the official identity for service access in both public and private sectors.

Q: What are the requirements for obtaining the biometric CURP?

A: For now, the biometric CURP is optional. However, by February 2026, it will become mandatory for all citizens to possess it to access various services, including medical, banking, and educational services.

Q: What are the main concerns about the biometric CURP?

A: The main concerns about the biometric CURP include data privacy and security, potential misuse of biometric data, and the violation of human rights if necessary safeguards are not in place.

Q: What measures has the government taken to address these concerns?

A: The government has linked the biometric CURP to a secure digital ID platform and engaged in a contract to secure cloud services for the biometric identity system to enhance data security. However, ongoing concerns remain about the potential misuse of biometric data. 

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