Mexico City:Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has signed a decree aimed at regulating digital platforms to protect children and adolescents from harmful online content. This move includes a warning that platforms could face legal sanctions if they do not make sufficient progress in implementing these regulations.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Sheinbaum indicated that if digital platforms fail to comply, the decree could evolve into a law with penalties. The platforms have reportedly agreed to the measures and requested a month to adjust their systems for compliance.

Presidential legal adviser Maria Luisa Alcalde Lujan has engaged with representatives from major digital companies such as Meta, TikTok, Google, and Microsoft. She noted their readiness to adhere to the new decree, which prohibits exposing minors to content related to sexual violence, suicide, self-harm, eating disorders, bullying, and other harmful material.

Under the new regulations, platforms are mandated to swiftly identify and remove accounts and content that promote or incite violence. They must also classify content by age group and verify users' ages. Additionally, platforms are required to alert authorities to life-threatening content and establish a 24-hour contact point to assist in investigations.

The Ministry of Public Education and the Ministry of Health will offer the Lifeline hotline for psychological support, and authorities will provide guidance on emotional awareness. The decree follows discussions between government officials and representatives from leading technology companies, though specific enforcement mechanisms have not been disclosed.