Mexico PAN vows to vote against 'Anti-Meme Law' over censorship fears

Mexico's National Action Party (PAN) announced it will vote against a proposed intellectual property reform dubbed the "Anti-Meme Law," arguing it threatens freedom of expression. Party leader Jorge Romero and deputies Ricardo Anaya and Elías Lixa warned the legislation could criminalize political satire and memes criticizing the government.

The Senate-approved draft modifies Article 403 Bis of the Industrial Property Law, imposing one to five years in prison for commercial use of official insignia to deceive. PAN claims the wording remains vague enough to target critics, while the ruling Morena party says it targets piracy and fraud.

“If memes bother you, stop giving reasons.”

President Claudia Sheinbaum rejected the "Anti-Meme Law" label during a morning press conference, calling it an "absolute lie." She stated the reform aims to strengthen intellectual property rights and combat piracy, not restrict social media humor.

The bill advanced in the Chamber of Deputies' Economy Committee with 18 votes in favor and six against. It now moves to the full lower house for debate. PAN says it will push for explicit safeguards protecting journalists, cartoonists, and citizens.