For more than two decades, alcohol companies have largely set their own advertising rules through the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) Scheme. Unsurprisingly, these rules are weak and littered with loopholes. Because they are voluntary, they are consequence-free when breaches occur.
Everyone should be able to enjoy the benefits of using digital technologies to work, learn and play. This can happen when we have safe digital environments that enable people’s health and wellbeing. However, the
extensive collection, use and disclosure of people’s information is being used to fuel digital marketing practices that are harming our community.
The issue of harmful digital marketing practices is falling through the gaps of existing and recommended regulatory frameworks and warrants greater consideration in regulatory reforms seeking to prevent consumer harms online.
With online connection more important in our everyday lives than ever, it’s essential we ensure a safe and healthy digital environment for everyone.
Alcohol companies are creating online environments for harm, with a new report revealing that 39,820 distinct alcohol ads are placed on Facebook and Instagram each year, often combined with a button prompting users to “shop now”.
To shed light on the current placement of online advertising by alcohol companies, we have developed methods to document alcohol advertising on Meta social media platforms. This report presents initial findings from a study monitoring these adverts. It provides an early illustration of the amount and type of advertising alcohol producers, retailers and venues are disseminating on the Meta ecosystem.
Researchers at the University of Queensland and Monash University, in partnership with VicHealth, examined Facebook and Instagram ads shown to 16-to-25-year-olds and found their feeds are dominated by highly targeted marketing of unhealthy and harmful products.
Decision makers are rightfully probing the role of digital platforms like Meta, Twitter, TikTok and Snapchat in Australians’ lives, with multiple inquiries considering the regulations that should apply to multi-national social media companies.
This report summarises the findings from a survey of 220 people who were either currently trying to reduce or stop at least one of three harmful and unhealthy products (alcohol, gambling, and unhealthy foods) or were trying to remain that way.
Many no and low alcohol products (sometimes referred to as zero alcohol products) are an extension of existing alcohol brand ranges. These products are becoming increasingly available in retail settings where alcohol is not allowed to be marketed or sold, such as convenience stores and supermarkets.
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2024 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2024 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
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