14 DAY TRIAL // Google seems to have another lawsuit in store after several consumer groups decided to file a complaint against YouTube because the new app called YouTube Kids has too many ads.
They want FTC to conduct an in-depth analysis of the recently launched app, claiming that the kids are unable to distinguish between the ads and the actual learning shows, misleading the children.
Unable to differentiate between the two, they might build up the conception of things that are supposed to educate them.
Ads could be harmful to children
Moreover, some of this ads are against YouTube Kids advertising policy that clearly states the following: "Products related to consumable food and drinks are prohibited, regardless of nutrition content.” But according to The Washington Post, the app advertises Big Mac burger, saying “You can’t get juiciness like this from soy or quinoa.”
The New York Times reported that among the complaints brought forward by the different consumer groups, there is also the advertising method commonly known as “host selling,” which basically refers to cartoon characters trying to sell different services and products during what is supposed to be a learning show.
Such tactics are strictly forbidden on television, and people believe the same rules should apply for online programs.
The plaintiffs want the app to establish a clear line between commercials and educational programs. Also, they believe that it’s not natural for kids to be subjected to marketing strategies at such a young age, especially since they cannot tell them apart while watching their favorite shows.
Having taken this into consideration, parents now believe that the app is quite dangerous for their children and that it could actually affect them in a bad way.
Google did mention after the launch that they would consider any feedback coming from the users, but it is very unlikely that it will remove the advertising content altogether even if the consumer groups go ahead with the lawsuit.
However, they could try to tone down the number of ads, or they could even try to completely remove those from the animated shows, in order to establish a clear line that even children could properly distinguish.
It seems that the plaintiffs are also against the toy unboxing videos on YouTube, given that the identity of the people doing this type videos has often been questioned.
There were even rumors that the unidentified woman running the most famous YouTube channel of the sort, DC Toy Collector, was a former Brazilian porn star.