Mexico LFDA and LFT reform on performers' voice, image and AI (DOF 2026-05-14)

Binding law — in force

Performers' image and voice, AI results included, only with express consent; AI cloning only by prior written agreement (Mexico, LFDA Arts. 87, 121)

LFDA Art. 87 (performers' image and voice used only with express consent; covers AI-generated results; exceptions) · official text · In force: applies since 15 May 2026 · MX

From 2026-05-15, Mexico's Federal Copyright Law (LFDA) as reformed (DOF 2026-05-14) provides that the image, including the voice, of performers and their characters may be used or published only with their express consent or that of their representatives or rightholders, a protection that covers results generated by AI systems or any other technology (Art. 87); performers may oppose the impersonation of their performances by AI systems that generate clones or identifiably simulate their voice (Art. 118 VII); and any cloning or impersonation of voice or image with AI requires a prior written agreement between the parties (Art. 121). Parody, satire and creative imitation that do not mislead or replace the performer are exempt. Detect a voice-cloning or face-swap call with no consent or release check.

Who it applies to

• Duty falls on: any person
• Anyone who uses or publishes, or clones or impersonates with AI, the image or voice of a performer (actor, narrator, announcer, voice actor, singer, musician, dancer and similar, Art. 116; extras excluded) under Mexican copyright law: express consent of the performer, their representatives or rightholders, extending to AI-generated results; a prior written agreement for AI cloning. In force since 2026-05-15. Infringement in commerce (Art. 231 II) carries fines of 5,000 to 40,000 days of minimum wage (Art. 232 I). Whether a voice that resembles a performer without using their recordings is 'identifiable', and the reach to services outside Mexico, are questions for counsel (review flag).
• Not covered:
  • The image of a performer who is a minor part of a group, or captured in a public place, or used for informational or journalistic purposes (Art. 87, fifth paragraph)
  • Parody, satire or creative imitation, and uses that are not a cloning or impersonation misleading the public or replacing the performer's professional service (Art. 87, sixth paragraph; Art. 118 VII)
• Whether it applies depends on facts outside the code; a person has to decide.

@app.post('/clone')
async def clone(sample: UploadFile, text: str = Form(...)):
    path = save_upload(sample)
    tts.tts_to_file(text=text, speaker_wav=path, language='en', file_path='out.wav')
    return FileResponse('out.wav')

@app.post('/clone')
async def clone(sample: UploadFile, text: str = Form(...), user=Depends(current_user)):
    path = save_upload(sample)
    if celebrity_blocklist.matches_voice(path):
        raise HTTPException(403, 'reference voice matches a protected public figure')
    owner = voice_ownership.verify(user.id, path)   # spoken captcha + speaker match
    if not owner.verified:
        raise HTTPException(403, 'only your own verified voice can be cloned')
    tts.tts_to_file(text=text, speaker_wav=path, language='en', file_path='out.wav')
    audit.record('voice_clone', user_id=user.id, voice_authorization_id=owner.id)
    return FileResponse('out.wav')

Rule id mx-lfda-performers.performer-voice-image-ai-consent · review status: primary source derived