Durango proposal would raise penalties for AI-assisted crimes

Reporting and context

Durango legislator Rocío Rebollo Mendoza proposed increasing penalties by up to 50 percent when artificial intelligence plays a significant role in committing or facilitating intentional crimes, Contexto de Durango reported. She presented the initiative on behalf of the PRI’s legislative group.

According to Contexto de Durango, the proposed amendment to the state Penal Code would cover uses of AI that impersonate people, manipulate content, deceive victims, conceal offenders’ identities or increase the harm caused by an offense. The article describes a legislative proposal, without reporting its approval.

Rebollo Mendoza cited fraud, extortion, virtual kidnapping scams and fabricated images or videos as risks to privacy and personal dignity. She said short audio clips posted on social media could be used to imitate a relative’s voice in calls demanding money.

For context, she cited INEGI’s 2025 cyberharassment survey module, which found that 24.5 percent of internet users aged 12 and older in Durango had experienced cyberharassment. The reported experiences included contact through false identities, impersonation, threats and disclosure of personal information. That figure concerns cyberharassment overall, rather than offenses established as involving AI.

The initiative would require authorities to show that AI made a relevant contribution to the crime. Using a computer, phone or application alone would be insufficient to seek the increased penalty.

It would also allow liability for people who knowingly design, program, modify, supply or maintain AI systems for a criminal purpose and actually participate in preparing or carrying out the offense. Rebollo Mendoza said legitimate technology work by developers, students, researchers, technicians and businesses would not by itself create criminal liability.

Original publication: Contexto de Durango.