Influencers

Experts say regulation of child influencers sits in a legal grey area as children promote products on social media#ToddlerSkincare: the ‘dark and exploitative’ world of children’s beauty videos on TikTokIn a TikTok video a young girl – her age anywhere between 10 and 15 – sits unboxing package after package of products she says were sent to her by skincare brands. She calls it a “PR haul”.In another video, a 16-year-old opens a box of products she received from a well known brand. She says: “I know I have younger people watching,” before reading out a note from the brand that says: “Can’t wait for you to share your thoughts.” Continue reading...

Exclusive: Group says measures to curb harmful content will also help to tackle violence against women and girlsMen and boys need as much protection as women and girls from harmful influencers and “the worst parts of the internet”, a group of MPs have told Ofcom, as they called for the regulator to give specific guidance to online platforms.More than 60 Labour MPs have written to the Ofcom chief executive, Melanie Dawes, urging her to protect men and boys from “manosphere” influencers, who expose them to gambling, sextortion and violent pornography. Continue reading...

Watchdog also fines PhotobookShop for editing a paid review from an influencer who had described process as ‘fiddly’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAn online photobook retailer has been fined nearly $40,000 for asking social media influencers to not disclose they had been paid to post a review on Instagram.It marks the first time a penalty has been handed down to an Australian business for an influencer not disclosing paid post. Continue reading...