A new legislative initiative in Puebla could soon penalize those who choose to film or share images of accident victims instead of helping them. Local lawmaker Ana Lilia Tepole Armenta has introduced a proposal to add a second paragraph to Article 350 of the Penal Code of the Free and Sovereign State of Puebla, aiming to sanction individuals who prioritize recording, transmitting, or disseminating images, audio, or video of people who are injured or in danger—before calling for help or providing immediate assistance.

The proposal specifically targets situations where bystanders fail to assist minors, injured persons, people with disabilities, or anyone at risk, choosing instead to share content rather than attend to the victim.

If approved, the reform would add financial penalties to existing sanctions: fines ranging from 50 to 100 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA), which currently translates to between 5,865.50 and 11,731 pesos.

According to Tepole Armenta, the goal is to encourage a culture of aid and social responsibility, discouraging the use of emergencies as opportunities to create viral content for social media rather than helping those in need.

The initiative has been sent to the State Congress’s Commission for the Administration and Procurement of Justice for review and further action.