lightAs an Australian social media summit convenes, Catherine Earl calls for increased transparency in how algorithms target young people with advertising. A staggering 72 million data points are collected on Australian children by the time they turn 13, allowing digital advertisers to exploit their likes, dislikes, and vulnerabilities. This data is often used to push adverts for harmful products, such as alcohol, at a time when young people may be particularly susceptible.

The summit, a collaboration between the New South Wales and South Australian governments, seeks to address both the benefits and the perils of social media for children, focusing on wellbeing, online safety, and countering hate and extremism. It also examines how governments can bolster digital wellbeing initiatives.

A critical issue is the role of commercial interests in creating unsafe online spaces by targeting children with potentially harmful marketing. Companies like Meta have been found to gather real-time psychological insights on children, tagging them with interests in products like alcohol. Research shows teenagers can receive up to 14 alcohol ads in just two hours online, increasing the risk of early and excessive drinking.

Current discussions include proposals to ban children from social media, but such measures do not enhance the safety of these platforms for when access is granted. Instead, a comprehensive policy response is needed, addressing the practices of social media companies and the commercial entities that use their platforms.

The summit urges policymakers to seize opportunities presented by ongoing reviews of The Privacy Act and the Online Safety Act. Amendments are needed to prevent the commercial use of children’s data and to ban alcohol ads alongside children’s content. There is a pressing need for clear insights into how algorithms dictate the adverts shown to young people, holding companies accountable for their practices.

In an era of fast-evolving digital technology, laws must keep pace to protect young people. Ensuring safe online environments is crucial, turning digital spaces into a force for good rather than a source of harm. Protecting children online isn’t just about limiting their screen time—it’s about shielding them from harmful content and exploitative advertising. As social media grows, so does the need for stronger rules that prioritise children’s safety over profits. By holding companies accountable, we can create a digital world where young people are truly safe.

(Source: WRD News)

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