Social media inquiry holds further public hearings

THE Joint Select Committee on Social Media and Australian Society will hold further public hearings next week as part of its inquiry into the influence and impacts of social media on Australian society.

Building on previous hearings where the committee heard from social media platforms and media organisations, the committee will hear from a broad range of stakeholders with experience of the harm caused by social media. This includes representatives from women’s safety groups, parents, mental health practitioners, and government departments amongst others.

The committee will also take evidence from technical experts on the use of age verification measures to protect Australian children from social media harms, as well as the use of algorithms and recommender systems employed by the platforms.

Committee Chair Sharon Claydon MP said, "The government is focused on how Australians can be protected from the worst impacts of social media, and this inquiry is looking at what needs to change to ensure the online space is safe and secure for everyone."

In the coming weeks the committee will table its second interim report looking primarily at the role of social media companies in the online news media environment.

The inquiry’s final report is due to be tabled on or before November 18, 2024.

Further information about the inquiry, including published submissions and hearing transcripts, is available on the committee's webpage.

Public hearing details in Canberra
Date: Monday, 30 September 2024
Time: 9am – 5.30pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House

Date: Tuesday, 01 October 2024
Time: 9am – 5.30pm (AEST)
Location: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House

The hearings will be broadcast live at:
www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Read_Listen

 

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