The Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society is holding its first public hearing today as part of its inquiry into the influence and impacts of social media on Australian society.
The inquiry is expected to probe why Meta abandoned deals with local media outlets, investigate proposals to limit children’s access to social networks, probe social media’s effect on mental health and consider illegal content on digital platforms.
The public will hear evidence from Nine Entertainment, News Corp and Seven West Media.
Regional media outlets will also give evidence, as well as regulators including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Australian Communications and Media Authority and the eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant.
Committee chair Kate Thwaites said Australians are concerned about the impact social media is having across many areas of the community.
"The committee will be hearing about how social media companies operate in Australia, the impact that has, and considering what changes we need to see," Thwaites said.
Advertising leaders told AdNews they see these regulations as a positive opportunity to decrease ad wastage and boost client confidence.
The committee is due to present an interim report to parliament by August 15, and a final report by November 18.
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