Summary of "Día Internacional de la Internet Segura, 2026: Bienestar y protección en entornos digitales"

Overview

• Event: Virtual seminar for Safer Internet Day 2026 (Día Internacional de la Internet Segura), organized by Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education (Aprende MX) and the National Guard (General Scientific Directorate / Cyber Guard).
• Purpose: Raise awareness and give practical guidance to protect well‑being in digital environments, aimed at teachers, families, students and the general public.
• Framing: Internet use in Mexico is widespread (~80% of the population; about 110 million users of ~132 million people). Young people are heavy users; the average Mexican spends ~7–8 hours/day online. The seminar covered digital literacy, main online risks, safe practices, AI‑related risks (deepfakes), prevention campaigns and how to report cybercrime.

Key facts and context

• Internet penetration: ~80% of Mexicans over age 6 are online; notable growth since 2015.
• Age/use highlights:
  • Audience poll: 68% reported users aged 12–17.
  • Highest device penetration among young adults (one slide cited ~95% for ages 18–24).
• Main online activities: instant messaging (WhatsApp), social networks (TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X), YouTube, streaming (movies/series), email, and music.
• Typical devices: smartphones and game consoles for children/teens; Smart TV frequent among 18–24.
• AI adoption: many users have used AI for school/work; presenters noted high student use and growth in AI between 2024–early 2026 (some figures were approximate).

Digital literacy model (the “ABCs”)

Four progressive steps presented as the digital literacy model:

1. Learn to use devices (phones, tablets, PCs, consoles).
2. Understand uses — benefits and risks of ICT.
3. Create digital content responsibly (produce and share responsibly).
4. Evaluate, analyze, organize and store information securely.

Digital divide

• Defined as unequal access, quality and use of ICTs due to geography, economy, age, gender, culture, etc.
• Example: urban schools may have equipment and connectivity; rural schools may not.

Main online risks

• Phishing: fraudulent emails or links that mimic legitimate sites to steal credentials and financial data.
• Digital violence: sexting, extortion, cyberbullying, harmful online challenges (e.g., Blue Whale), revenge porn; AI can exacerbate these risks through face/body synthesis.
• Identity theft: often follows credential theft or phishing and can affect bank accounts and official documents.
• Malware: malicious software obtained from suspicious websites or unofficial app downloads that can lock or damage devices (ransomware).
• Misinformation / Fake news: sharing unverified content; requires source checking.
• Deepfakes and AI misuse: fabricated images/audio/videos used for fraud, harassment or political manipulation (examples cited: altered student photos, scams using imitated public figures, electoral disinformation).

Practical instructions / recommended methodology

Below are actionable recommendations given during the seminar.

Password management

• Use a unique, strong password for each account.
• Strong password characteristics: alphanumeric + special characters; minimum 8 characters (12+ recommended by some experts).
• Use password managers / vaults (many free options) to generate and store passwords and to check whether credentials were compromised.
• Avoid writing passwords on sticky notes or insecure notebooks.

Device and software hygiene

• Keep OS, apps and firmware up to date (schedule updates if needed).
• Install reputable antivirus / anti‑malware software (desktop and mobile).
• Use screen locks (pattern, PIN, fingerprint, facial recognition) on mobile devices.
• Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA) wherever available.

Safe browsing and connections

• Avoid clicking suspicious links; scan unknown URLs with safe‑link tools before visiting.
• Prefer secure (private) networks; avoid conducting sensitive transactions (banking, payments) on public/unsecured Wi‑Fi.
• Check you are on official sites before entering payment data (verify URLs).

Privacy and sharing

• Configure social media privacy settings (restrict posts to contacts/family when appropriate).
• Remove unknown contacts and teach children not to accept random friend requests.
• Think carefully before sharing photos or sensitive information (e.g., school uniform, license plates, house signs); do not upload intimate images of minors.
• Do not provide sensitive data to chatbots or unknown services.

Children and parental controls

• Teach minors about online risks and set family rules.
• Use parental controls (Android: Google Family Link; iOS: Screen Time) to limit usage time, restrict sites/apps, block purchases, and set content limits.
• Supervise children’s online activity and encourage open communication so they report harassment promptly.

Handling misinformation

• Verify information with other reliable sources before sharing.
• Use a simple checklist: Who created this? Is it corroborated? If not verified, don’t share — report if necessary.

AI and critical curiosity

• Be skeptical of urgent or unusual messages and voice requests (e.g., “family emergency” scams).
• Ask who created content and verify authenticity. Do not share sensitive data to train or feed AI tools.
• Remember AI can produce convincing deepfakes; confirm via trusted channels.

If you are a victim — reporting and evidence preservation

• Save digital evidence immediately: screenshots, URLs, messages, logs; store them on external media (USB/hard drive).

• Do not wait—get guidance quickly. The National Guard provides a 24‑hour helpline for advice and direction:

  Call 088 for guidance and support (they assist with filing a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office).

• When filing a complaint, preserve and hand over devices and keep full URLs (not just screenshots) for investigators.

National Guard / public programs and resources

• Campaigns: “Internet Safe for All” focusing on five principles: cybersecurity for children/adolescents, citizen cybersecurity, financial cybersecurity, digital civics, and gender‑aware cybersecurity.
• Events: National Cybersecurity Week (conferences, panels, workshops) and National Cyber Fraud Prevention Day (seasonal prevention campaign Nov–Jan due to a holiday spike in fraud).
• Partnerships: coordination with police cyber units, CONDUSEF, INAI, Profeco, Bank of Mexico, and the National Cyber Incident Response Center (CER MX).
• Communication channels: National Guard social media and a WhatsApp channel (QR code provided in the broadcast) for tips and alerts; follow CER MX publications.
• Reporting line: 088 for initial guidance; follow up by filing a formal complaint with the prosecutor.

Digitips segment — digital footprint

• Concept: digital fingerprint/footprint = traces left when browsing, using apps, filling forms, or accepting cookies; includes active and passive footprints.
• How to protect your footprint:
  • Configure browser security settings.
  • Check app sources before installing.
  • Use private browsing on public computers.
  • Avoid sharing photos/documents that reveal location or private details.
  • Configure social media privacy and avoid giving out bank card information.

Audience polls (Mentimeter)

• Why has internet user count increased? Audience responses: 34% social networks, 28% growth of online activities, 21% digital apps, 17% access by children/adolescents.
• Which age group uses the internet most? Audience poll: 68% voted 12–17 (panelists noted high use across ages, especially teens/young adults).
• Have you had contact with AI? Audience poll: 67% yes for school/work; 12% personal/recreational; 21% know but don’t use; 0% “not interested.”

Lessons and takeaways

• The internet is central to daily life but brings real risks; both technical protections and behavioral practices are needed.
• Shared responsibility is essential: schools, families, institutions and authorities must work together to build safer, inclusive digital spaces.
• Practical defense combines digital literacy, good password/device hygiene, critical evaluation of content (especially AI‑generated), parental controls and prompt reporting when incidents occur.
• Use official channels and educational resources (Aprende MX courses are free) and follow National Guard guidance to stay informed.

Notes about the subtitles

• Subtitles were auto‑generated and contained some noisy or missing words and a few unclear numeric details. Percentages and some exact figures (especially AI use ranges cited on slides) may be approximate.

Speakers and sources featured

• Host: Karen Furlong (Aprende MX / Ministry of Public Education broadcast).
• Speakers: Gerardo Feliciano Sarmiento Cortés (Sub‑Officer, National Guard, Cyber Guard / General Scientific Directorate) and Danaí (Danaí Flores Rojano, National Guard cyber security specialist).
• Digitips presenter: Tatiana.
• Organizations and channels referenced:
  • Aprende MX (General Directorate, Ministry of Public Education)
  • National Guard (Guardia Nacional), General Scientific Directorate / Cyber Guard
  • CER MX (National Cyber Incident Response Center)
  • CONDUSEF, INAI, Profeco, Bank of Mexico (collaborating institutions)
  • Aprende MX courses (formerly MexicoX)
• Additional mentions: sign language interpreters and production staff (not individually named).

Category

Educational

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