Claudio Ochoa exposes flaws in Saberes platform, linked to Territorium Life; is certified in pediatric vaccination, without attending workshop

Claudio Ochoa Huerta, a journalist known for his investigative work, has exposed vulnerabilities in the Saberes platform, a government-backed online learning system linked to Territorium Life, an enterprise previously implicated in issues with the University of Mexico’s (UNAM) online admission exam. According to reports from El Universal, Ochoa managed to obtain two certifications through the platform without completing the required courses. These certificates were issued for “Analysis of Data for All: Discovering Valuable Information with AI” and “Pediatric Vaccination for Health Professionals.” The journalist claimed he achieved this due to a flaw in the system. The Saberes platform, launched under the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, offers a range of educational courses, including mathematics, English, pediatric vaccination protocols, and even radiation handling. It was officially introduced on November 21 of last year by the President and Education Secretary Mario Delgado. The initiative partners with prestigious institutions such as UNAM, Tecnológico de Monterrey, UNAD, and others, along with hospitals like the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara. The goal is to provide free, accessible education and training via the internet. Ochoa revealed that upon scanning the QR code on the certificate, it initially appeared valid. However, more than two hours later, the verification status changed to “Invalid.” This occurred around 12:47 p.m., according to the report. In an effort to highlight the platform's flaws, Ochoa also attempted to certify President Sheinbaum in a course titled “Corruption,” which resulted in a similar outcome. The QR code for this certificate showed the status as “Not Validated,” and the certification was subsequently removed at 1:05 p.m. The courses available on Saberes include topics such as media literacy, linear algebra, conflict resolution in medical settings, communication skills using AI, and food safety. Other offerings cover ethical professional conduct and basic pharmacovigilance. The platform aims to support both academic and professional development, particularly in public health and technology fields. Territorium Life, the company behind the Saberes platform, had earlier faced scrutiny over its involvement with UNAM’s online entrance exams. Reports indicated that the firm had sold the software used in these tests, which were later found to have security lapses. The company reportedly retained evidence of fraudulent activities, including recordings of applicants. This led to legal action against the university, with the faculty being contracted to store audio and video data. Ochoa’s actions have drawn attention to potential weaknesses in the system designed to ensure educational integrity. His ability to secure certifications without engaging with the content raises questions about the reliability of the platform’s authentication process. While the platform is backed by multiple governmental and institutional entities, the incident highlights the need for stronger oversight and technical safeguards. As the situation unfolds, further investigations into the security and functionality of Saberes may be necessary. The incident could prompt regulatory reviews and calls for improved cybersecurity measures within public education platforms. For now, the focus remains on the technical and procedural aspects of the platform, with ongoing discussions likely to continue among stakeholders involved in digital education initiatives.