Mexico Orders Meta, TikTok, X to Shield Minors From Violent, Sexual Content

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has signed a decree requiring digital platforms, including Meta, TikTok and X, to protect children from violent, sexual and other harmful content online, Al Jazeera reported.

The decree says platforms must, by design, restrict exposure to content involving violence, harassment or sexual abuse. They must also immediately remove risky material from minors’ profiles. Government adviser Luisa Maria Alcalde said platforms have one month to comply.

Sheinbaum said the government would back legislation to punish companies that fail to follow the decree.

“If no progress is made, it would become a law.”

She said the aim is to make platforms share responsibility for what they spread.

“The goal is for digital platforms to take on some of the responsibility and refrain from disseminating, promoting, or spreading content related to this type of information — including criminal acts or violent behaviour.”

The decree follows an attack by two 18-year-olds on their former high school in the northern state of Coahuila in early October. One person was killed and three were wounded.

Officials said they have already discussed the matter with representatives of Meta, Microsoft, Apple, TikTok, Google, X and Huawei. Reuters reported the companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mexico’s move follows a wider global push to protect minors online, with governments in Europe and Australia tightening oversight and US states pursuing child-safety measures. Brazil has also moved to strengthen protections for children online. Reuters noted such measures have raised questions about protecting minors while safeguarding privacy and freedom of expression.