Quintana Roo Lawmakers Propose Bill to Regulate Personal Image Use

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — State lawmakers from the PT, Morena, and PVEM parties have introduced a bill to regulate the use of personal images and establish civil liability for unauthorized dissemination.

The initiative seeks to amend the state’s Civil Code to recognize the right to one’s own image as an attribute of personality, aiming to provide clear, modern legal standards aligned with international human rights norms.

“It is necessary to incorporate a clear, modern provision in state civil legislation that aligns with international human rights standards,” states the proposal’s explanatory memorandum, signed by lawmakers María José Osorio Rosas, Hugo Alday Nieto, and Ricardo Velazco Rodríguez.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes adding a new chapter titled “Own Image” to the Civil Code, defining image as “the identifiable reproduction of forms of representation or identification, physical or digital, of a person on any material support.” It establishes that every person has the right to decide on the use of their voice, face, body, or any graphic or audiovisual representation.

Central elements include:

• Recognizing image as an attribute of personality
• Requiring express consent for dissemination or commercialization
• Allowing judicial authorities to order cessation of improper use and comprehensive damage repair when reputation is affected
• Providing exceptions for cases of public interest, notoriety, or acts performed in public spaces

The proposal also aims to strengthen protections for children and adolescents and extend safeguards to the digital realm, where image violations are more frequent.

Balancing Rights

The legislation specifies that the right to one’s own image would not prevent publication when it involves public officials or individuals with public projection, provided the image is captured during acts of public interest. It also permits the use of caricatures or parodies according to social norms, as well as graphic information about public events where individuals appear incidentally.

According to the document, the objective is to harmonize local legislation with constitutional and international human rights standards, particularly regarding the protection of dignity, honor, and privacy.

The proposed reforms would take effect the day after publication in the State Official Gazette and would repeal any conflicting provisions.