UKGC partners with Twitter to help social media users limit gambling content
Regulator highlights keyword use and mute button in new social media guidance document
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has launched its first guidance for Twitter users on how they can limit the amount of gambling-related content they consume online.
The four-page document outlines how users can access Twitter safety tools and adjust their accounts to exclude gambling-related messaging and advertisements.
The UKGC suggests individuals manage their interests on Twitter by unticking gambling-related keywords and deselecting sports as an interest or gaming-related content, such as “football” or “online gaming”.
It also recommends that users should unfollow accounts that feature gambling content and turn off any notifications from accounts that they wish to avoid.
Furthermore, the guidance includes instructions on how to remove promoted tweets from feeds, as well as instructions on how to mute accounts and specific keywords.
The UKGC’s guidance lists several keywords related to gambling Source: UKG
Finally, it provides a guide on how to block gambling-related accounts from viewing their profiles. The UKGC has said it is looking to produce similar guidance for users of other social media platforms in the future.
UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said the level of exposure for vulnerable individuals to online gambling adverts via social media was significant and of “concern” to the regulator.
“Whilst we work on a plan which sets out new standards for how the industry will embrace advertising technology, I hope that this guidance will play a role in helping consumers to limit the gambling-related content they see on Twitter,” McArthur said.
Katy Minshall, head of UK public policy at Twitter, said: “Improving the health of the public conversation is our overall missions as is ensuring those on the service feel safe and supported.
“With that in mind, we’re continuing to enforce our policies, specifically around prohibited and restricted ad content as well as assessing the eligibility of ads on our service – these policies apply to all advertisers and advertisements on Twitter.
“We also continue to work with industry partners on tools to support their responsible advertising priorities,” Minshall added.
During the recent UK election, the Conservative party said it would aim to make the UK the “safest place in the world to be online” pledging to strengthen the protection of internet users.
As part of this, the government has committed to a full-scale review of the UK Gambling Act, pledging to bring the 2005 Act into the digital age.
Picture credit/ istock DKart