Social media giant, Facebook, accused of targeting susceptible Australian users with gambling advertisements
In the digital age, gaming and gambling have emerged as potential sources of revenue, but concerns over their impact, particularly on vulnerable populations, have come to the fore. On 2 June, 2023, a news article discussed the potential risks associated with Facebook's (Meta's) targeted advertising of gambling and alcohol in Australia.
The University of Queensland's research, funded by VicHealth and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), revealed that Facebook had targeted vulnerable Australian users with gambling and alcohol ads. As many as 264 companies, including 63 gambling companies, facilitated this data sharing, with 123 alcohol companies sharing user data.
This revelation has sparked concern and activism, with advocacy groups such as the Alliance for Gambling Reform and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education urging the Federal Government to prioritize health and well-being over corporate interests. Martin Thomas, CEO of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, called for stronger action from the Federal Government to protect vulnerable individuals. Caterina Giorgi, CEO of FARE, echoed these sentiments, stating that social media platforms like Facebook should not be exploiting vulnerable users for profit.
The Australian government is also taking steps to reform gambling and betting advertising. While there is reluctance to impose a full ban, measures to crack down on social media gambling ads are being welcomed as positive steps to help shield children and other at-risk groups from exposure.
Roy D'Silva, a published author with a decade-long experience in various beats, including Bollywood, OTT, and poker, is looking to be at the forefront of this significant story in the poker world. As an avid cyclist and documentary buff, D'Silva's investigative journalism could shed light on the intricacies of this issue.
It's important to note that Facebook respects local laws and regulations regarding gambling and alcohol ads. However, concerns remain about the lack of robust oversight in the vetting of advertisers and the potential for ads to be shown disproportionately to users who are vulnerable to addiction or harm.
In a separate development, Karnataka, India, was positioned as the gaming capital of Asia on 15 October, 2024. As the gaming landscape evolves, it's crucial that regulations keep pace to ensure the protection of vulnerable users.
References: 1. [Link to the news article] 2. [Link to the research paper]
- Amidst growing concerns, gambling companies and social media platforms, like Facebook, are under scrutiny for their role in targeting vulnerable populations with advertising, as revealed by the University of Queensland's research.
- Advocacy groups, such as the Alliance for Gambling Reform and the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, are urging the Australian government to prioritize health and well-being over corporate interests, calling for stronger protective measures.
- While the Australian government is hesitant to impose a full ban on gambling and betting advertising, initiatives to crack down on social media ads are being received as positive steps towards shielding children and at-risk groups.
- In a notable development, author Roy D'Silva, with expertise in gaming, poker, and investigative journalism, is poised to delve into the complexities of this issue and shed light on the poker world in the digital age.
- As the gaming landscape evolves, it's essential that regulations keep pace to ensure the protection of vulnerable users, as demonstrated by the transformation of Karnataka, India, into the gaming capital of Asia.
- While Facebook maintains compliance with local laws regarding gambling and alcohol ads, concerns persist about the lack of rigorous oversight and the possibility of ads disproportionately reaching users susceptible to addiction or harm.
