According to new research by VicHealth, the unregulated promotion of alcoholic drinks on social media is rife. “Influencers” post photos of themselves with alcoholic brands without declaring they have been paid to do so. They often have hundreds of thousands of followers, many of whom could be kids.

The findings show the alcohol industry is using social media as a key tool to promote their products as cool and glamourous to an impressionable audience.

Managing Director of Coffey & Tea and social media expert Meg Coffey joined Oliver Peterson to shine some light on the murky waters of social media influencers.

“We’re in a really grey area in Australia as there is no legislation around this.

“Product placement is something that has fuelled the movie industry for years.

“Social media influencing is no different than product placement in the movies.”

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