International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology, 2025, 7(6); doi: 10.25236/IJFS.2025.070610.
Ruihan Liu
Shaanxi Agricultural Development Group, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, 710000
This paper examines the growing privacy concerns on social media platforms, with a specific focus on Facebook's targeted advertising towards teenagers. As internet technology advances, users increasingly share personal information online, often unaware of the risks associated with data surveillance and misuse. The study highlights how platforms like Facebook employ algorithms to monitor, collect, and analyze user data, particularly targeting vulnerable groups such as teenagers, thereby raising ethical and legal issues. The analysis draws on existing privacy laws, such as the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), and critiques the limitations of self-regulation by platforms. It identifies three key areas for improvement: (1) enacting specific laws to protect teenagers' online privacy, (2) strengthening platform-internal codes to regulate data surveillance and third-party collaborations, and (3) enhancing government oversight of surveillance technologies to prevent data misuse. While policies and regulations can mitigate some risks, the paper concludes that complete privacy protection remains challenging due to the inherent trade-offs between connectivity and data security. The recommendations aim to expand the scope of privacy laws and codes, fostering a safer online environment for all users.
privacy issue, data surveillance, algorithm, social media, online platform, Facebook, Law
Ruihan Liu. An Analysis of Privacy Issues and Legal Improvement Strategies for Social Media Platforms: A Case Study of Facebook Advertising Targeting Teenagers. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology (2025), Vol. 7, Issue 6: 59-63. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFS.2025.070610.
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