The new Federal Law on the Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties (LFPDPPP) 2025 is now in force across Mexico, and its effects are particularly acute in Nuevo León — where many companies and citizens handle sensitive personal data daily.
If you live or operate in Monterrey, San Pedro, Apodaca or Guadalupe, this law affects you directly: higher fines, stricter obligations, the abolition of INAI, and a tougher supervisory model.
What changed with the 2025 personal data law?
The 2025 reform has overhauled Mexico’s data protection framework. Key changes include:
1. New categories of highly sensitive data
The law creates the category of “highly sensitive personal data”, which requires express, written consent for processing. This includes biometric data, genetic information, health records, sexual orientation, and real-time geolocation. Improper handling of this information can trigger civil, administrative and even criminal liability.
2. INAI abolished; new supervisory model
The former INAI is no longer the lead supervisory body. Responsibility has shifted to the Secretariat of the Civil Service (SFP) through the Undersecretariat for Anti-Corruption and Good Governance, which now has enforcement powers including audits and sanctions.
3. New obligations for companies in Nuevo León
Businesses operating in Monterrey and the surrounding municipalities must: update their Privacy Notices; document security measures (physical, administrative, technical); keep records of consent; and be ready for compliance audits. This applies across sectors — retail, healthcare, gyms, real estate, apps, and professional services.
Direct impact on citizens of Nuevo León
ARCO rights (Access, Rectification, Cancellation, Opposition) have been reinforced and procedural timelines tightened. Data subjects can request copies of their information, corrections, deletions or object to processing. Responsible parties must respond within 20 business days; failure to respond is appealable to the supervisory authority.
Heavier fines and corporate liability
Sanctions under the new regime are significantly harsher. Penalties may reach tens of millions of pesos for large corporations, and can include temporary suspension of operations or closure for mishandling highly sensitive data. Executives may face personal liability in severe cases. In addition to administrative fines, data breaches involving sale or illicit disclosure of sensitive records may lead to criminal investigations.
AI, automated processing and digital manipulation
Nuevo León recently strengthened local rules against digital violence and deepfakes. The federal reform addresses automated processing: algorithms and AI systems that profile individuals must be transparent, and subjects must be able to contest automated decisions that affect them. Using AI to manipulate images or generate content without consent — especially with sensitive data — can give rise to civil and criminal claims.
How to protect your data today in Nuevo León
- Check that businesses you use publish an updated Privacy Notice (2025).
- Request proof of consent when asked for sensitive information.
- Activate account alerts and monitor financial transactions.
- Exercise ARCO rights proactively if you suspect misuse.
- If you detect abuse or a breach, report it through the official government portal for data protection.
(Single official resource: Gobierno de México – data protection portal)
Conclusion
The 2025 law is not merely administrative; it imposes immediate obligations and introduces robust enforcement tools. For Nuevo León this means greater accountability but also an urgent need for companies to adapt. If you manage data or are unsure about compliance, seek a privacy audit or legal advice to avoid penalties and protect the people whose data you handle.