Airline body urges African governments to act on opening market access
‘Strategies don’t move people. Now it is time to make the difficult decisions and execute them,’ senior executive stresses.
SOCIAL MEDIA
US state enacts tough laws to restrict social media use by minors
By our News Team | 2023
Utah is the first state to heavily curb minors’ access to social media, but others may follow with even stricter laws.
As civil society and legislators around the world become increasingly concerned about the negative impacts of social media on young people, particularly minors, the US state of Utah has passed laws prohibiting anyone under 18 from accessing social platforms without the explicit consent of their parents.
Social media companies are also prohibited from using any techniques that may cause minors to ‘develop an addition’ to these platforms.
Photo by Ron Lach from Pexels
Utah thus becomes the first state in the US to enact such legislation, but it is possible that other states governed by the (more conservative) Republican Party could follow suit. Arkansas and Texas are already heading in this direction, with Texas wanting a complete ban on minors using social media.
The Utah laws were passed last week despite opposition from civil liberties groups. They come into effect in March 2024.
Parents can access all their children’s posts
The new laws prevent under 18s from accessing social media without their parents’ consent and also allows parents or guardians to access all of their children’s posts. The social media platforms are required to block users younger than 18 from accessing accounts between 10.30pm and 6.30am, unless parents modify the settings.
Social media companies may also not advertise to minors, collect information about them, or target content at them.
Utah’s laws complement – and in some cases duplicate – federal (national) laws that already prevent the information of children under 13 from being collected. The social platforms also already prevent children under 13 from signing up, although experts point out that there are many ways to circumvent these restrictions.
According to Michael McKell, the Utah state senator who sponsored the bill, social media is a contributing factor to poor teen mental health and the laws are intended to address this issue.
The respected Mayo Clinic, social media use can also negatively affect young people by distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumour spreading, unrealistic views of other people’s lives and peer pressure. The clinic does, however, also point out that there can be benefits – including helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Uganda Tourism Board partners with major European ice hockey league
UTB says its ambition is to turn the visibility into interest, bookings and more visitors choosing to explore Uganda.
Researchers explain why 10-second micro ads outperform longer spots
Short ads shown on TV increased website visits within five minutes of airing by 10-40% compared with longer advertisements.
Competition continues to grow in the Moroccan supermarket sector
Supeco’s rapid expansion shows how the discount model is becoming a bigger part of grocery retail in the North African country.
Study identifies harmful paradox behind well-meaning green efforts
Consumers reward visible eco-friendly additions such as reusable bottles, but give little credit to businesses that reduce or remove products.
President Mahama commissions expanded evaporated milk facility in Ghana
Nestlé believes Ghana will continue to play a leading role in the future of Central and West Africa.
Momentum beginning to build for 2027 ACCS gathering in Addis Ababa
Ethiopia’s marketers gather to celebrate hosting next year’s conference – but with an eye on the hard work ahead.
PwC report examines the future of African entertainment and media
Tech is creating more ways for audiences to connect, but lasting value will come from understanding the people behind those connections.
Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa
The new production line at the historic Maydon Wharf facility in Durban will address growing international demand.
World MICE Awards in Jamaica honour best African and global achievers
Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia and South Africa all feature in the African meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions awards.
AI won’t replace market research. But it will expose weak strategy
Much of the broader conversation around AI in market research assumes conditions that do not consistently exist across many African markets, writes Soyinka Witness.