Mexican government partially unblocks secure internet
a day ago
- #Mexico
- #Tor Network
- #Internet Censorship
- Access to Mexican federal government websites via the Tor network was blocked for at least two six-year presidential terms and the first year of the current administration.
- A 2023 study found 21 government agencies blocking Tor access, with partial unblocking occurring in July 2025.
- Tor is used globally for secure internet access, privacy, and evading censorship, with around 20,000 users in Mexico.
- Mexican civil society, including journalists and human rights advocates, utilizes Tor for anonymity and security.
- The previous administration recognized Tor's benefits for combating corruption and established a Tor-based whistleblower mailbox.
- The government justified blocking Tor for security reasons, citing difficulties in distinguishing between ordinary and automated users.
- The Tor Project argues that blocking Tor is outdated and harmful, suggesting alternative methods to mitigate risks.
- The current administration under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has no documented policy to block Tor access to www.gob.mx.
- As of July 5, 2025, www.gob.mx was accessible via Tor, but datos.gob.mx and the whistleblower mailbox remain blocked.