Update law to help protect over-60s from social media algorithms amplifying hate

Summary

Review and update the Online Safety Act to include specific recognition of over-60s as a vulnerable group and require platforms to assess and mitigate any algorithmic amplification of hateful and extremist content that may disproportionately harm older adults, without restricting lawful speech. We believe older adults can be disproportionately affected by social media systems that we feel prioritise divisive and hateful content to maximise engagement. Factors such as loneliness and lower digital literacy can increase vulnerability, yet the Online Safety Act provides no specific recognition of these risks to over-60s. We want the Act to be updated to specifically require platforms to assess and mitigate any foreseeable algorithmic harms to over-60s in particular, without restricting lawful speech.

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Timeline

1. 24 January 2026

   Petition

   Review and update the Online Safety Act to include specific recognition of over-60s as a vulnerable group and require platforms to assess and mitigate any algorithmic amplification of hateful and extremist content that may disproportionately harm older adults, without restricting lawful speech. We believe older adults can be disproportionately affected by social media systems that we feel prioritise divisive and hateful content to maximise engagement. Factors such as loneliness and lower digital literacy can increase vulnerability, yet the Online Safety Act provides no specific recognition of these risks to over-60s. We want the Act to be updated to specifically require platforms to assess and mitigate any foreseeable algorithmic harms to over-60s in particular, without restricting lawful speech.

   Source: Petition

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