Mexico Unveils Online Child Safety Rules on 9 October
Mexico's government unveiled an online child safety decree that tells digital platforms to protect minors from harmful content, without setting any penalties. The post Mexico Unveils Online Child Safety Rules on 9 October appeared first on The Rio Times .
On 9 October, Mexico released an online child safety decree that requires digital platforms to protect children and teenagers from harmful content. The decree defines a platform broadly enough to encompass major US-owned networks and video sites used throughout the country. President Claudia Sheinbaum declared the rule mandatory upon publication, though no penalties are imposed at this time. The decree emerged in the wake of a deadly school attack in Torreón, Coahuila, just eight days prior.
Legal counsel to the presidency, Luisa María Alcalde, presented the text during Sheinbaum’s morning press conference. The decree mandates that platforms prevent minors from viewing or being recommended content advocating hate speech, violent extremism, sexual abuse, suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders. It also covers school violence, harassment, cyberbullying, illegal activities, and sexually explicit material.
Services must prioritize children’s privacy and safety, with privacy and safety settings activated by default. Platforms must categorize content by age, provide parental controls, and enable reporting of violent users or posts. They must promptly remove accounts or content promoting violence and maintain a 24-hour contact point for investigators, sharing evidence as required.
The decree further obliges platforms to notify authorities immediately about content threatening a life.
Sheinbaum stated the decree would be enforced once published, though penalties have not been established. She hinted at potential legislative action if platforms do not comply voluntarily. The decree's aim is to encourage platforms to self-regulate, with a legal counsel’s office to propose further regulation. The decree also mandates the creation of a helpline, Línea de la Vida (800-911-2000), offering psychological support.
The legislation comes amid ongoing discussions between Mexico and the United States regarding the USMCA trade pact, which includes provisions on digital trade and liability for platforms.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
