Digital scams targeting seniors: the law against the predatory algorithm

The increase in online fraud among users over 50 exposes an uncomfortable reality: digital platforms and the State are failing to protect vulnerable groups. While tech companies prioritize their advertising revenue over security, scammers find fertile ground in the lack of controls and the limited digital literacy of this group.

Photorealistic digital fraud scene, elderly woman aged 60+ staring at a laptop screen in a dim home office, cursor hovering over a fake bank login page, malicious software interface visible in background with phishing form fields, smartphone displaying a scam alert notification beside keyboard, glowing blue data streams flowing from laptop to a dark silhouette figure in the distance, predatory algorithm concept shown as translucent red code lines wrapping around her hands, cinematic lighting with stark shadows and cold monitor glow, ultra-detailed textures on keyboard keys and glass reflection, technical illustration style with visible network nodes and firewall breach indicators, dramatic tension in her hesitant finger movement near the trackpad

Mandatory verification and early warnings as a technical barrier 🛡️

The technical solution involves legally mandating identity verification systems on social networks and early warning mechanisms for fraud patterns. These systems, based on artificial intelligence, could detect suspicious messages (fake inheritances, miracle investments) before they reach the victim. Additionally, it is proposed to fund digital literacy campaigns with a specific tax on big tech companies, creating a cycle where those who generate the problem contribute to the solution.

The big idea: Zuckerberg paying for internet classes for your grandma 💸

Now it turns out that the most effective solution to prevent your uncle from falling for the fake Microsoft technician scam is for Mark Zuckerberg to cough up the cash for his computer classes. Because, of course, asking social networks to stop making money from miracle cure ads is asking too much. Better that they pay taxes and we teach the elderly to distinguish a real bank email from a fake one. Too bad the report scam button doesn't come with an interactive tutorial attached.