15 Feb Consultation on ACCC’s reform recommendations
This submission to the consultation on ACCC’s regulatory reform recommendations focuses on the need to protect consumers from harm fuelled by unhealthy marketing on digital platforms.
The expansion of digital platforms has given the alcohol industry the opportunity to market products in ways that are highly targeted, time-relevant, and interactive. Algorithms developed by digital platforms allow the alcohol industry to specifically target heavy users of alcohol, as well as new consumers in a range of markets and demographics. This online tracking, profiling, and data collection enables harmful marketing of alcohol.
While ACCC has identified several consumer harms attributable to digital platforms and existing gaps in current consumer laws, we submit that the online marketing of harmful and addictive products via digital platforms must be addressed in the ACCC’s ongoing Digital Platform Services Inquiry. Digital platforms are currently profiting from harmful marketing practices.