Mexico’s Government and Digital Platforms Unite Against Online Hate
The Government of Mexico has successfully negotiated terms with leading digital platforms for a new decree that mandates tech companies to take responsibility for the dissemination of content that promotes hate, violence, abuse, and harassment. This agreement was announced by Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, who confirmed that the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the Federation in the coming days.
President Sheinbaum expressed her satisfaction with the consensus reached, stating, “Incredibly, the tech companies were entirely in agreement. They suggested some additional topics, but the platforms are aligned with our requests, meaning the decree will be issued with their endorsement.”
Regulatory Proposal Arises in Wake of School Attack
The regulatory initiative was unveiled earlier this month as a direct response to a tragic incident at the “Justo Sierra Méndez” Secondary School in Torreón, Coahuila, where two former students, reportedly influenced by a social media account that glorifies perpetrators of school massacres globally, launched an attack. In light of this event, Sheinbaum announced the formation of an inter-institutional working group tasked with designing programmes and mechanisms to compel digital platforms to swiftly remove content that incites violence.
According to the President, the aim is to ensure that these companies “assume a part of the responsibility and do not disseminate, promote, or propagate communications related to these criminal acts or behaviours.”
Dialogue with Youth and Tech Companies
Recently, Sheinbaum indicated that her administration would engage in discussions with young internet users and representatives from major digital platforms operating in the country. The goal is to ensure that the new regulations establish preventive mechanisms without resorting to censorship. Earlier this week, she reiterated that while parents share some responsibility for the proper use of digital media by minors, it cannot be compared to the obligations that major tech firms must fulfil to create safe online environments.
“The responsibility of a monopolistic, global company that is unfilteredly promoting access to violence, sexual abuse, and a plethora of harmful information is fundamentally different,” she emphasised. “These platforms must accept their responsibility to ensure that online spaces are safe for children and young people.”
Details of Content Restrictions Remain Unclear
The specific mechanisms and obligations outlined in the agreement are yet to be disclosed. However, it is anticipated that Luisa María Alcalde, the legal advisor to the Federal Executive, will reveal further details regarding the regulation later this week. Previous discussions indicated involvement from various governmental bodies, including the Legal Advisory Office, the Digital Transformation Agency, the Secretariats of Security and Citizen Protection, and Public Education, alongside the National Intelligence Centre. Collaboration with academic institutions and subject matter experts is also expected to be part of the initiative.
Official sources have indicated that platforms will be required to implement software programmes capable of restricting minors’ access to harmful content, including hate speech, violent extremism, digital harassment, school violence, sexual exploitation, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders, among others.
Enhanced Moderation and Parental Controls Required
Furthermore, social media platforms and internet services must bolster their moderation mechanisms, prevent the automatic recommendation of harmful materials, and facilitate access to tools for reporting such content. Sheinbaum stated, “Platforms will have to develop all necessary mechanisms to ensure that children and adolescents do not have access to these harmful materials.”
In addition to implementing stricter parental control settings, companies will also be obliged to cooperate with authorities in investigations related to the dissemination or use of harmful material. This cooperation may include designating contacts available around the clock, preserving digital evidence, and promptly notifying authorities of threats to life or personal integrity. Compliance with these measures will be overseen by the Digital Transformation Agency and the National Intelligence Centre.
Future Initiatives to Foster Emotional Well-being
Ultimately, the decree is expected to include provisions to strengthen the “ABC of Emotions” programme, establish confidential reporting channels for early detection of risk situations, and implement awareness and support campaigns aimed at adolescents.