Scam war: Study shows Aussies unhappy with social media giants as scam worries skyrocket
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In an age where the internet has become a central hub for communication, commerce, and community, the rise of online scams has become a significant concern.
Recently, a study shed light on Australians' sentiments towards social media platforms.
The findings highlight a growing dissatisfaction and concern among users regarding various aspects of their online experiences, pointing to evolving attitudes towards digital engagement and its impact on daily life.
Recent research released by the Australian Banking Association shed light on the public's growing unease with how platforms like Meta—the conglomerate behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are handling the proliferation of scams.
A staggering 39 per cent of Australians believe that Meta is not putting in the necessary effort to combat scams on its platforms, with one in five even going so far as to think that these platforms may be inadvertently encouraging scam activity.
According to Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh, ‘We are amidst a scams war in this country.’
She noted that this is a pressing issue, as there was a 30 per cent surge in reported social media scams in 2023 alone, with losses amounting to a hefty $93.5 million, according to Scamwatch.
This alarming trend underscores the need for a more robust and proactive approach to safeguarding users online.
Google, another tech titan, seems to fare slightly better in public opinion, but the sentiment remains critical.
Thirty-seven per cent of those surveyed feel that Google is failing to take action against scams, and eight per cent believe it is fostering an environment where scams can thrive.
The research, which polled 1594 Australians, also evaluated the public's confidence in banks, telcos, payment companies like Mastercard, and the government's efforts to curb scams.
Half of the respondents believe that banks are trying to stop scams but could do more, with similar views held about telcos and payment companies.
Around 20 per cent are of the opinion that these institutions are not doing anything significant to prevent scams.
The government's strategy to eliminate scams is also under scrutiny, with a shared sentiment that more decisive action is needed.
In response to this growing issue, the federal government is working on introducing a mandatory industry code that would clarify the responsibilities of banks, digital platforms, and telcos in responding to scams.
While banks and telcos have shown support for a mandatory code, social media companies appear to be lagging behind.
‘Winning the war on scams will take a collective effort from [the] government, banks, telcos and digital platforms,’ Ms Bligh pointed out.
‘Protecting Australians from scammers can only be achieved if every part of the scams chain leans is all in.’
She cautioned that efforts to combat scams will be ineffective without full support from all sectors, particularly social media platforms.
‘If they're not willing to back these mandatory codes, I'm not sure the platforms can say they're doing everything possible to combat scams,’ Ms Bligh explained.
The discontent expressed by Australians regarding social media platforms' shortcomings extends beyond mere frustration to encompass real concerns about online safety.
This sentiment is particularly relevant in light of recent reports indicating a rise in scams targeting seniors through these very platforms.
The ACCC's findings underscore the urgent need for stronger measures and cooperation from social media companies to combat fraudulent activities, highlighting the critical intersection between public sentiment and actionable risks in digital spaces.
Have you or someone you know been affected by a scam on social media? What measures do you think should be taken to bolster our defences against these digital threats? We encourage you to share your experiences and tips on how to stay safe online in the comments below.
Recently, a study shed light on Australians' sentiments towards social media platforms.
The findings highlight a growing dissatisfaction and concern among users regarding various aspects of their online experiences, pointing to evolving attitudes towards digital engagement and its impact on daily life.
Recent research released by the Australian Banking Association shed light on the public's growing unease with how platforms like Meta—the conglomerate behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—are handling the proliferation of scams.
A staggering 39 per cent of Australians believe that Meta is not putting in the necessary effort to combat scams on its platforms, with one in five even going so far as to think that these platforms may be inadvertently encouraging scam activity.
According to recent Australian Banking Association research, 39 per cent of Australians think Meta isn't trying to prevent scams on its platforms. Credit: Shutterstock
According to Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh, ‘We are amidst a scams war in this country.’
She noted that this is a pressing issue, as there was a 30 per cent surge in reported social media scams in 2023 alone, with losses amounting to a hefty $93.5 million, according to Scamwatch.
This alarming trend underscores the need for a more robust and proactive approach to safeguarding users online.
Google, another tech titan, seems to fare slightly better in public opinion, but the sentiment remains critical.
Thirty-seven per cent of those surveyed feel that Google is failing to take action against scams, and eight per cent believe it is fostering an environment where scams can thrive.
The research, which polled 1594 Australians, also evaluated the public's confidence in banks, telcos, payment companies like Mastercard, and the government's efforts to curb scams.
Half of the respondents believe that banks are trying to stop scams but could do more, with similar views held about telcos and payment companies.
Around 20 per cent are of the opinion that these institutions are not doing anything significant to prevent scams.
The government's strategy to eliminate scams is also under scrutiny, with a shared sentiment that more decisive action is needed.
In response to this growing issue, the federal government is working on introducing a mandatory industry code that would clarify the responsibilities of banks, digital platforms, and telcos in responding to scams.
While banks and telcos have shown support for a mandatory code, social media companies appear to be lagging behind.
‘Winning the war on scams will take a collective effort from [the] government, banks, telcos and digital platforms,’ Ms Bligh pointed out.
‘Protecting Australians from scammers can only be achieved if every part of the scams chain leans is all in.’
She cautioned that efforts to combat scams will be ineffective without full support from all sectors, particularly social media platforms.
‘If they're not willing to back these mandatory codes, I'm not sure the platforms can say they're doing everything possible to combat scams,’ Ms Bligh explained.
The discontent expressed by Australians regarding social media platforms' shortcomings extends beyond mere frustration to encompass real concerns about online safety.
This sentiment is particularly relevant in light of recent reports indicating a rise in scams targeting seniors through these very platforms.
The ACCC's findings underscore the urgent need for stronger measures and cooperation from social media companies to combat fraudulent activities, highlighting the critical intersection between public sentiment and actionable risks in digital spaces.
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