SUMMARY

• Mexico plans new rules targeting online content that incites violence.
• The move follows a deadly attack at a secondary school in Torreón.
• Officials say the measures will focus on protecting children and teenagers online.

MEXICO: Mexico is preparing new rules for social media platforms following a deadly attack at a secondary school in Torreón, Coahuila.

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the creation of a government working group on Friday to develop measures targeting online content that incites violence or promotes criminal acts.

New Rules For Platforms

The working group will be coordinated by Mexico’s Legal Council and include officials from security, education and digital transformation agencies, as well as academics and specialists.

The government plans to establish obligations for platforms to detect, report and remove content that directly encourages violence, abuse or harassment.

Sheinbaum said platforms should provide safer online spaces for children and teenagers, particularly when harmful material appears on their services.

The government has not yet finalised how the proposed rules will be enforced. Officials are expected to work on the proposal in the coming week.

New rules would require platforms to act against content promoting violence.

Move Follows School Attack

The announcement came after an attack at Secondary School No. 13 in Torreón on October 1.

A member of the school staff was killed and three other people were injured, according to Mexican authorities. Two 18-year-old former students were detained following the attack.

Reuters reported that authorities were investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including potential links to violent online content.

Focus On Young Users

The Mexican government says the proposed measures are intended to strengthen prevention and protect children and teenagers from harmful online material.

Officials also plan to strengthen school-based prevention programmes, including confidential channels for identifying potential risks among young people.

The proposal comes as Mexico continues a broader discussion over how social media platforms should regulate content and algorithms accessible to minors. Earlier this year, the government had already been consulting educators about possible nationwide rules for children and teenagers using digital platforms.