Meta, Google, and TikTok representatives have reportedly been invited to a public hearing in Australia to provide insights about social media platforms' societal influence and impact. The inquiry is also set to look into the fallout of a deal that made Meta pay for news content in Australia.
The investigation into social media's "influence and impacts" on Australian culture will continue at its second public hearing on Friday. Speakers from TikTok Australia, Meta, Snap Inc., and Google will share their perspectives on the evolving field.
Antigone Davis, vice president and head of global safety, told the Joint Select Committee she doesn't believe social media has hurt kids.
According to Ms. Davis, concerns about the mental health of teenagers are complicated and multifaceted. Whether their apps or any other apps would translate, she believes it is their corporate duty to ensure teens can benefit from social media in a secure and encouraging environment.
According to Ms. Davis, Meta is dedicated to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all users, especially teenagers.
The committee is also investigating the potential ramifications for Australian media of Meta's decision to withdraw from agreements made under the News Media Bargaining Code.
Facebook News Dwindles
According to Mia Garlick, Meta's regional director of policy for Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, the number of Facebook users using the Facebook News site has decreased by 80%.
Although Meta wasn't attempting to stop people from getting news on Facebook, according to Ms. Garlick, the company discovered that only 3% of users used its platforms to get news after it modified how people viewed public content. Ms. Garlick stated that the "vast majority" of its users had made a "massive shift" to short-form video. The committee has set a deadline of August 15 for the interim report and November 18 for the final report.
Social Media Algorithm Ban
Australia's inquiry on social media's effects continues the string of investigations concerning platforms from Meta and TikTok. According to recent reports, New York may soon prohibit social media corporations from using content algorithms on teenagers. A state-led initiative to shield young people from automated feeds that the city has long considered harmful.
With or without parental consent, the legislators' draft agreement seeks to restrict social media algorithms. This week's vote on the bill, which is currently in the final stages of development, is expected to prohibit platforms from informing children while they are asleep without their parents' consent.
Due to their propensity for addiction and the negative consequences it has on youth, social media platforms have recently come under scrutiny.
In February, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said his administration had filed lawsuits against Facebook and Instagram. These two social media platforms are a part of Meta Platforms because they were responsible for the rise in teenage mental health disorders.
The mayor warned about the dangers of social media and mentioned that his city is the first in the country to take such action.
He declared that the city would now treat social media like other health risks to the public, making sure digital firms take responsibility, much like how the surgeon general addressed tobacco and guns.
