Mexico orders tech platforms to shield children from harmful content

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 12:58 · Archive

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has signed a decree requiring digital platforms to protect children and teenagers from violent, sexual and other harmful content.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has signed a presidential decree requiring digital platforms, including social media networks and streaming services, to protect children and teenagers from violent, sexual and other harmful content. Platforms have 30 calendar days to implement the mandatory measures, though they will not initially face punishment if they do not comply.

The decree applies to social media and other platforms that allow users to create, distribute or share content. It prohibits minors from accessing hate speech, violent extremism, sexual abuse or exploitation, suicide content, self-harm, eating disorders, school violence, harassment, cyberbullying, unlawful conduct and explicit sexual material. Platforms must identify and remove offending accounts or content, provide age classifications with parental supervision and reporting tools, apply stronger privacy and safety settings for younger users, and maintain a 24/7 point of contact with investigating authorities.

The government has already held meetings with representatives from Meta, Microsoft, Apple, TikTok, Google, X and Huawei. If technology companies fail to abide by the mandate, Sheinbaum's administration will support legislation to levy punishments against non-compliant platforms. The measure reflects a broader global movement to safeguard minors online, with similar regulatory efforts underway across Europe, Australia and several United States.

How it is being reported

• Mexico's president signs decree ordering tech platforms to protect minors from adult contentMexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum has signed a decree ordering digital platforms to protect children from accessing harmful content.Engadget · 15 Oct, 12:36
• Mexico President Sheinbaum orders tech giants to protect kids and teens from harmful online contentSheinbaum added that if technology companies fail to abide by the mandate, her administration will support legislation to levy punishments against non-compliant platformsIndependent World · 14 Oct, 17:12

In this story: Claudia Sheinbaum · Mexico · Meta · Microsoft · Apple · TikTok · Google

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