Submission to the Inquiry into International Digital Platforms Operated by Big Tech companies

In February 2023, the Senate Economic Reference Committee called for submissions to an inquiry on international, digital platforms operated by ‘Big Tech’ companies.

Reset.Tech Australia’s response focused on the Committee’s call for evidence around the collection and use of children and young people’s data particularly for the purposes of profiling, behavioural advertising, or other uses. This has too often been an overlooked area in Australia’s regulatory framework.

Our submission highlights the shocking prevalence of data collection practices, raising questions about the harms these cause. Firstly, we discuss how these practices can violate young people’s privacy. Secondly, we argue that behavioural advertising could be unfair and violate their consumer rights.