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Study Exposes “Predatory” Facebook Ads Targeting Vulnerable Australians With Gambling & Alcohol Promotions

What once was a harmless place to share holiday snaps with friends, Facebook continues to side with evil.

According to a new study led by University of Queensland researchers, gambling and alcohol ads are frequently pushed to individuals identified as high-risk, illustrating how brands are using precise social media marketing to reach vulnerable users. The study emerged amid pressure on the Australian federal government to address issues raised in a report by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy, which recommended a complete ban on online gambling advertisements. As Australian social media users express frustration with the current lack of options to prevent this ad targeting, advocates are pressing for stronger regulations to protect individuals at risk of alcohol and gambling-related harm.

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