“The Politécnico is One of the Major National Players in AI": Rolando Zapata

We Want Mexico to Have Autonomy in Artificial Intelligence

The Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN) will participate in creating a Mexican model for the first regulatory framework on Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is currently in the analysis and design stage by the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. This initiative aims to regulate AI, a phenomenon that transcends all fields of knowledge, enabling Mexico to leverage its potential across all sectors and accelerate its position in the global economy.

This was confirmed by Rolando Zapata Bello, President of the Senate's Commission for the Analysis, Monitoring, and Evaluation of the Application and Development of Artificial Intelligence in Mexico. He also emphasized that the country must achieve independence and autonomy in AI.

As the leading institution in scientific and technological education in Mexico, the IPN will have the opportunity to contribute its expertise in AI, accumulated through academic and scientific projects at the Centro de Investigación en Computación (CIC), the Escuela Superior de Cómputo (Escom), and the Centro de Innovación y Desarrollo Tecnológico en Cómputo (Cidetec), among other academic units specializing in AI sciences, computing and data sciences, and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

During the session of the Chamber of Deputies' Commission on Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the signing of the General Collaboration Agreement between IPN and this legislative body of the LXVI Legislature of the Congress of the Union, former Governor of Yucatán, Rolando Zapata Bello, shared the following insights with Gaceta Politécnica:

Where is Mexico heading with Artificial Intelligence?

We want Mexico to achieve independence and autonomy in AI. We have great scientific and technological capabilities, and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional is a powerhouse of science, technology, and innovation. As legislators, we believe we must establish a regulatory framework that not only governs but also fosters our AI capabilities. AI is a phenomenon shaping not just technological development but also the global economy.

Will there be a specific AI law?

Right now, we are working with both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies to determine the best regulatory framework. We are not certain if a General Law on AI is the best approach or if it would be more appropriate to incorporate AI-related chapters into existing laws. For instance, the General Law on Science and Technology could include a section on AI, as could the General Health Law. These are still being analyzed to determine what would be most relevant and beneficial for Mexico’s development.

Will experiences from advanced countries be considered?

We will conduct comparative law analyses, but we firmly believe that Mexico is in a position to establish its regulatory model for AI.

How would the Politécnico contribute to this Mexican model?

It would contribute all its experience and capabilities. We recognize the significant advancements being made in AI research, healthcare, and data science. We trust in the expertise of the IPN. We have already scheduled meetings in the Senate so that the Polytechnic can be one of the key players in this field.

Will cybersecurity have a special section?

Absolutely. Cybersecurity is essential for protecting all data generated in the country, not only personal and individual information but also data from public and private institutions. Additionally, AI can play a significant role in national security, which is a rapidly evolving field. We believe AI can make substantial contributions to this area.