Enhanced regulation of the tech industry

Abstract This presentation explores the tech industry as a commercial determinant of child and adolescent health, underscoring the urgent need for stronger regulation. Voluntary self-regulation by platforms has repeatedly failed to prevent harm. New laws offer hope. The EU's Digital Services Act (2024) requires greater transparency, limits targeted ads to minors, and bans manipulative design - backed by major fines, like Ireland's €405 million penalty on Meta for misuse of teen data. Elsewhere, countries are testing bold measures: Spain is considering health warnings on smartphones and default parental controls; the UK's Online Safety Act (2023) introduces a duty of care to reduce children's exposure to harmful content. Germany is advancing algorithmic transparency, requiring platforms to explain how content is prioritised, especially for minors. And in California, a landmark Age-Appropriate Design Code mandates child-first digital design, banning features like auto-play and excessive data collection. Beyond individual harms, the broader health risks - ranging from mental health issues to disinformation and threats to democracy - demand public health engagement. This talk highlights how professionals can support regulation and accountability in this evolving space.