Mexico Decree Requires Platforms to Shield Minors from Violent Content

President Claudia Sheinbaum signed a decree on October 14 requiring digital platforms to prevent minors from accessing content promoting violence, hate speech, sexual exploitation, suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. The measure was published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF) on October 15 and applies nationwide.

Platforms must implement reliable age verification mechanisms that go beyond self-declaration and immediately remove prohibited content or accounts. Companies have 30 calendar days from the decree's entry into force to report implemented actions.

“The only thing they asked for was a month to prepare their platforms so this becomes a reality.”

The decree lacks its own sanctions regime. Sheinbaum stated the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT) will monitor compliance and proposed pushing for a law with penalties if companies fail to comply.

According to Sheinbaum, platforms accepted the provisions and requested one month to prepare their services. The move follows school violence incidents in Coahuila where the government found evidence of social media communication among youths linked to the attacks.

Legal Counsel Luisa María Alcalde explained the decree covers internet services where users interact or share content, including school-related publications that promote violence.