Mexico raises the standard of protection against AI in the artistic sector and tightens contractual obligations

Mexico - 05 / 29 / 2026

A new reform to the Federal Labor Law (FLL) and the Federal Copyright Law (FCL) seeks to strengthen the protection of the labor rights of all individuals engaged in activities within the artistic field, ensuring fairer and more equitable working conditions in the exercise of their profession.

On May 14, 2026, a decree was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation (Diario Oficial de la Federación) amending and supplementing various provisions of the Federal Labor Law (FLL) and the Federal Copyright Law (FCL) governing the rights of performing artists and performers.

Among the most significant changes, the following stand out:

All employment contracts with artists must expressly specify the terms and compensation applicable when their image or voice is used through artificial intelligence or other technology.
Image and voice protection extends to those generated by AI; accordingly, the use of such elements is prohibited without express consent. An exception to this prohibition applies to the use of an artist's image or voice for purposes of parody, satire, or creative imitation, provided that the artist is not replaced in the market.
The broadcast of advertisements shall be capped at six months from the date of the first communication. After that period, a new compensation payment must be made for each additional period. After one year, the amount shall be adjusted in accordance with inflation and market conditions. Non-compete clauses may not exceed the term of the contract.
Individuals who believe that any of their rights have been violated may pursue the applicable legal actions or, alternatively, opt for one of the following alternative dispute resolution mechanisms: conciliation (avenencia), mediation, conciliation, and arbitration, which may be conducted in person, online, or through a hybrid format.
Violations of image/voice rights or anti-cloning rules may result in fines of up to 40,000 days of minimum wage.

General recommendations:

Review existing contracts with artists to verify whether they address the use of AI.
Update clauses in new contracts to include specific terms governing the use of image and voice with AI.
Review advertising contracts and their terms of duration to ensure compliance with the new compensation rules.