How to enhance the regulation of official advertising in Mexico? International Standards as the foundation for a proposal for improvement

Abstract

The official advertising in Mexico, ostensibly established for legitimate purposes, has paradoxically evolved into a mechanism fostering mass media control and subservience to governmental interests. This undesirable outcome stems from a regulatory framework that inadvertently promotes malpractices. This article aims to lay the groundwork for a regulatory enhancement proposal by advocating the adoption of international standards as primary instruments. Leveraging their systematic, reliable, and adaptable nature across diverse national contexts, these standards advocate key elements for effective regulation. These include ensuring compelling message content, establishing objective assignment criteria, fostering regulatory autonomy, promoting transparency, enabling administrative and judicial oversight, and incentivizing media pluralism. By embracing these international benchmarks, the proposed regulatory improvements aspire to rectify the current shortcomings and pave the way for a more robust and ethical landscape in official advertising regulation.