Senators Call on FTC to Investigate Google’s Alleged Violations of Children’s Privacy

Privacy Senators urge FTC probe of alleged children’s privacy violations by Google

Date: August 17, 2023

Senators Ed Markey and Marsha Blackburn have requested the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate YouTube and its parent company Google over potential violations of federal children’s privacy law. The request follows a New York Times report that revealed YouTube’s ad-targeting system served adult-oriented ads on videos designated for children, potentially leading to the collection of data on users under 13. The report by ad transparency platform Adalytics found over 300 ads for adult products on nearly 100 YouTube videos marked as “made for kids.” Clicking on these ads could lead to the collection of children’s data through the presence of trackers on the linked webpages.

Violation of Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act requires companies to obtain parental consent before collecting data on users under the age of 13. Google and YouTube have faced scrutiny in the past regarding their handling of children’s data. In 2019, they settled lawsuits filed by the FTC and the state of New York, agreeing to pay $170 million for alleged collection of personal information from children without parental consent. The settlement also mandated the creation of a system to identify children’s content in order to prevent targeted advertising against children.

Senators Markey and Blackburn argue that Google and YouTube may have violated COPPA and their 2019 FTC consent decree in an egregious manner, potentially impacting hundreds of thousands to millions of children across the United States.

Google‘s response and disputed allegations

Google has vehemently disagreed with Adalytics’ findings. A Google spokesperson stated that personalized advertising has never been permitted on YouTube Kids, and since January 2020, it has been prohibited on all “made for kids” content, regardless of the viewer’s age. Google contends that the report’s conclusions are based on false claims and uninformed interpretations of the presence of cookies, which are commonly used for fraud detection and frequency capping, both of which are allowed under COPPA.

Editorial and Analysis

The allegations against Google and YouTube regarding the potential violation of children’s privacy are extremely concerning. This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring that companies abide by laws and regulations aimed at protecting children’s personal data in the digital age. The repeated scrutiny faced by Google and YouTube, despite their previous settlement with the FTC, raises questions about the effectiveness of such settlements in deterring future violations.

The utilization of targeted advertising on platforms frequently accessed by children poses significant risks. Collecting personal data from underage users without parental consent undermines their right to privacy and places their sensitive information at risk.

Repercussions and the importance of the FTC investigation

The FTC must conduct a comprehensive investigation into Google and YouTube based on the allegations raised in the New York Times report. If the allegations are confirmed, appropriate penalties and injunctive relief must be sought to hold the company accountable for its alleged systematic disregard of the law. It is crucial to ensure that young children can watch age-appropriate content on popular platforms while having their privacy guaranteed.

The role of legislation in protecting children’s privacy

Senators Markey and Blackburn, both members of the Senate Commerce Committee, have been leading advocates for the protection of children’s privacy. Their efforts to update and strengthen the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) with COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act are commendable. Legislative initiatives play a vital role in adapting laws to address evolving technological landscapes and providing comprehensive safeguards for children’s digital privacy.

Advice and Implications

This case underscores the significance of robust privacy settings and parental controls for children using digital platforms. Parents and guardians should be proactive in monitoring and managing their children’s online activities. Implementing privacy-oriented tools, such as parental control applications, can help limit exposure to potentially harmful content and mitigate the risk of data collection without consent.

Furthermore, consumers should consider prioritizing services and platforms that demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting children’s privacy. When using online platforms, it is essential to review and understand their privacy policies to make informed decisions about sharing personal data.

Ultimately, the responsibility lies not only with individual companies and regulators but also with society as a whole to prioritize the privacy and safety of children online. Ongoing vigilance and strong safeguards are necessary to ensure that children can navigate the digital world without compromising their privacy and security.