QUESTION: Digital platforms connect users in multiple ways, generating positive feedback loops which are monetised through the sale of advertisements. This has generated vast wealth for these businesses. However, these networks also enable the rapid dissemination of fake news, political manipulation and misinformation.This has dangerous implications for public health and democracy, prompting widespread calls for greater government regulation of these businesses.

Research the current regulatory framework in Australia and one other country, and identify the extent of the regulatory gap. The history of self-regulation is that companies have sometimes created a 'tragedy of the commons' when they put their individual profit motive ahead of the general public and their relevant industry, and ultimately destroy the environment that fostered them

Briefly explore the history of self-regulation by referring to various Australian industries, such as airlines and television advertising. From this research, recommend steps and guidelines that digital platforms could use to create self-regulating code of conduct. AI technologies and Big Data increasingly provide the means for digital platforms to curate content at low cost, so you should not consider cost to be an overly limiting factor.

Asking the following questions will help you to begin to conduct this analysis:

What are the pros and cons of self-regulation compared to government regulation?

What are the good (and harm) to achieve or avoid?

How are digital platforms currently regulated?

What problems might arise with self-regulation of digital platforms?

To what extent do digital platforms currently self-regulate and how effective and fair is it?

How effective are Codes of Conduct?