Is this social media platform invading users' privacy? Major changes by the federal government may land them in hot waters!
- Replies 2
Social media has become a huge part of the lives of many. It’s an easy way of staying connected, sharing experiences, and expressing yourself.
But with ever-growing popularity across the globe, certain social media sites have attracted the attention of authorities and, now, the federal government.
According to new laws, social media companies will be prohibited from targeting ads at children and selling their private information without 'informed consent'.
Social media apps such as TikTok could soon be facing some hefty fines for breaching the privacy laws of the young Australian users they target.
These drastic, long overdue changes come as a result of the major review of the Privacy Act that was initiated by the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. Their proposed review presented hundreds of major changes to the Privacy Act back in February.
But why are these changes necessary?
There has been a series of back-to-back major data leaks from large companies that compromised the personal information of millions of people.
Under these toughened laws, online businesses will be legally required to get 'informed consent' and to 'recognise the best interests of the child when handling their personal information'.
Smartphone apps must now give obvious signs when a minor’s location is being tracked. Their information must also only be available to those they give permission to.
There are an estimated 537,000 children across the country using the social media platform TikTok which has been scrutinised for its 'hidden advertising' targeting its young users.
As part of the government’s effort to protect these children’s privacy, a 'children’s online privacy code' will be implemented, forcing all online services and platforms used by children to improve their marketing strategies and tech policies.
The law will disallow the use of ‘nudge’ techniques that encourage children to give up more of their privacy and limit the amount of data companies collect about children.
In the UK, where the law was introduced in 2021, consequences were immediately served for companies who did not adhere to it. TikTok was fined $15.7 million for not taking sufficient steps to prevent underage users from creating accounts on the platform.
The federal government has agreed to 38 out of the 116 proposals put forward by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.
Similar laws are expected to be introduced to the federal parliament in 2024 and mark the greatest reforms made to Australia’s Privacy Act, which only experienced two amendments since its implementation in 1988.
Members, what are your thoughts on these changes to the Privacy Act? Let us know in the comments below!
But with ever-growing popularity across the globe, certain social media sites have attracted the attention of authorities and, now, the federal government.
According to new laws, social media companies will be prohibited from targeting ads at children and selling their private information without 'informed consent'.
Social media apps such as TikTok could soon be facing some hefty fines for breaching the privacy laws of the young Australian users they target.
Revisions to the Privacy Act will better protect the privacy of children using smartphone apps. Image source: Freepik.
These drastic, long overdue changes come as a result of the major review of the Privacy Act that was initiated by the Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus. Their proposed review presented hundreds of major changes to the Privacy Act back in February.
But why are these changes necessary?
There has been a series of back-to-back major data leaks from large companies that compromised the personal information of millions of people.
Under these toughened laws, online businesses will be legally required to get 'informed consent' and to 'recognise the best interests of the child when handling their personal information'.
Smartphone apps must now give obvious signs when a minor’s location is being tracked. Their information must also only be available to those they give permission to.
There are an estimated 537,000 children across the country using the social media platform TikTok which has been scrutinised for its 'hidden advertising' targeting its young users.
As part of the government’s effort to protect these children’s privacy, a 'children’s online privacy code' will be implemented, forcing all online services and platforms used by children to improve their marketing strategies and tech policies.
The law will disallow the use of ‘nudge’ techniques that encourage children to give up more of their privacy and limit the amount of data companies collect about children.
In the UK, where the law was introduced in 2021, consequences were immediately served for companies who did not adhere to it. TikTok was fined $15.7 million for not taking sufficient steps to prevent underage users from creating accounts on the platform.
The federal government has agreed to 38 out of the 116 proposals put forward by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.
Similar laws are expected to be introduced to the federal parliament in 2024 and mark the greatest reforms made to Australia’s Privacy Act, which only experienced two amendments since its implementation in 1988.
.png){kind=icon}
