Google and Meta's Child Ads Investigation: Europe in Custody
Nowadays, digital platforms have a great impact, especially on children. In this context, Google ve Meta Big technology companies such as attract attention with their advertising strategies aimed at children. However, the European Union (EU) has been scrutinizing the practices of these companies. The situation in question is that the two giant companies advertising to children It raises a serious investigation into whether there was a secret agreement on the matter.
Details of the Secret Agreement
According to the Financial Times, Google and Meta, YouTube It appears that Google may have colluded to run Instagram ads targeting children ages 13-17 on its platform. This directly contradicts Google’s strict policies prohibiting ads directed to children. Google employees reportedly advised Meta to target ads to a group labeled as “unknown,” which includes many users under the age of 18.
Pilot Advertising Program and Public Response
Two companies in Canada pilot advertising program and later planned to expand this program to the US. However, public outcry and complaints during this process caused the program to be stopped in other countries. Google emphasizes that it has taken industry-leading measures to protect young people during this process and continues to work. However, the European Commission's investigation into this matter indicates that the companies' practices will be investigated more thoroughly.
European Commission's Investigation
The European Commission has launched an investigation into whether Google and Meta have breached rules on advertising to children. The commission has reviewed internal communications and documents from the two companies. YouTube ads The EU has previously requested information on how algorithms on platforms such as YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok recommend content to their users. Such reviews are critical to better understanding the impact of digital platforms on children.
Children's Safety in the Digital World
The risks that children face in the digital world are increasing day by day. Especially advertising Targeting children in the field brings with it various ethical issues. Therefore, how children are protected on digital platforms and what measures are taken are of great importance. Google and Meta's advertising policies should be reviewed more carefully to ensure children's safety.
The Future of Digital Advertising and Children
The future of digital advertising will be shaped by the regulation of applications aimed at children. Companies need to avoid applications that may negatively affect children’s psychological and social development. In this context, it is important for parents and educators to be more conscious and careful about the content in the digital world. How children are affected in the digital environment plays a critical role in determining future advertising policies.
What to Expect as a Result?
Google and Meta’s advertising practices towards children are receiving increased attention following an investigation by the European Commission. This process could lead to significant improvements in how children are protected in the digital world and how advertising is regulated. In the future, it is expected that steps will be taken to ensure that such practices are conducted in a more transparent and ethical manner, thus ensuring that children have a safer experience in the digital environment.
