'YouTube Kids' Under Fire for Targeting Children with Advertisements

[69Mustang]

I think that train has long since left the station. Today it's rare if Google does something that ISN'T creepy or morally questionable.

Say what you will about Apple and their recently buggy software or other problems they've had with getting cloud services off the ground, but they never compromise on privacy or security. They advocate for the environment, accessibility and human rights. Some might say it's fluff to "look good" as a company, but if that were true, then why don't many other companies go to the lengths that they do across the board?

Google tries to look benevolent while mining your data, bypassing your browser settings for tracking, scanning your WiFi, or all the other things they've been busted for in recent memory. They're not the worst company out there, but they're far too creepy for me to use them if I can help it.

I typically like your posts, but this one leaves me a little confused. It seems to overlook just how truly similar Apple and Google are regarding privacy and security, the environment, accessibility, and human rights. I would ask why you think other companies don't go to the same lengths. Could it be that you're a fan of Apple so you're more acutely aware of what they do? IDK

I look at Google and Apple in a similar way. They both do things I like and things I dislike. Neither company connotes good or evil to me. They're just companies.

I'm genuinely interested in your thoughts. Apologies to all for threadjacking.

 

[Kissaragi]

So just the same as Children's tv?

 

[darkslide29]

Google owns YouTube, and Google's main source of revenue is from ads. Nothing surprising here.

 

[kolax]

I'm all for this. Kids being exploited isn't always something a parent can stop. Leave them out of being ad targeted.

 

[KdParker]

How about parents... I don't know, maybe be parents? /s

At least Google is providing options that do provide some parental controls and already eliminates a lot of inappropriate content for children. If you are just slapping a tablet in your kids hands and letting them just sit there watching youtube there is more of an issue than Google (or those "channels") showing marketing & promotional material.

-PopinFRESH

True to a certain extent, but I doubt your parents sat an watched every show you saw goring up. Checking in once in a while was normally good enough and I can understand the concern over advertisers running little infomercials since kids don't know the difference.

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So just the same as Children's tv?

Not really.

At least on childrens tv you know (most of the time) what is pure advertising and show.

 

[macduke]

I typically like your posts, but this one leaves me a little confused. It seems to overlook just how truly similar Apple and Google are regarding privacy and security, the environment, accessibility, and human rights. I would ask why you think other companies don't go to the same lengths. Could it be that you're a fan of Apple so you're more acutely aware of what they do? IDK

I look at Google and Apple in a similar way. They both do things I like and things I dislike. Neither company connotes good or evil to me. They're just companies.

I'm genuinely interested in your thoughts. Apologies to all for threadjacking.

The thing that gets me about Google is how they intentionally do things to break the rules. Apple has been guilty of things in the past but nothing near as bad as Google and their creepy policies of data mining, users be damned. I'm a really big supporter of privacy rights and honestly that's the biggest beef I have with Google. I mean, they did some shady stuff back in the day with copying iOS but Apple has copied them back enough now that I would call that battle mostly even.

The reason that I prefer Apple over Google is that Apple sells me products and Google sells me to the highest bidder. It mostly comes down to my preference to spend money on quality hardware, software, and services than use free ones that are of questionable privacy and therefore security. I'm sure Google has top notch security, but when you collect that much data I worry about even more elite security operations (such as the government) being able retrieve that information. It's not about them knowing how boring my life is, it's about going off on a power trip. For instance, I have a Nest which I bought before Google acquired them. From that they can tell when I come and go and if I'm being "environmentally friendly" enough. If we just keep giving the government that kind of information then it will lead to further corruption and abuses. At least Apple doesn't collect information about everything that I do. Even the government complains about how secure iMessages is, using scary arguments about children in danger to pull at our heartstrings. Perhaps I'm just paranoid, but I've seen or experienced enough weird (a few really weird) things during my life to give me the right to be paranoid about certain things.

 

[Mousse]

I don't understand the issue. Youtube is a FREE SERVICE. It is paid for by ads. If you don't want ads, tell Google you are willing to pay for their video service.

Wise man in Old Country (okay, okay, it was my grandpappy) told me, "Nothing free is ever cheap." Y'all wanted free entertainment. Well, it's free now, by you eventually have to pay the piper.

I agree with all the sentiments of "Parents should be a parent" in this thread. I don't allow my kids on youtube for hours; hail, I don't even allow them hours of Internet a day. They will thank me when they grow up.

 

[Solomani]

"Don't be Evil"

Lol.

Great job, Google.

Google's new motto: "Let's Try Not to Be Creepy"

 

[Jynto]

The people who are defending Google should consider the implications of advertising to such a young audience. Many of them won't have seen adverts before, and that makes them vulnerable.

What would you think if you didn't know what an advert was? There's a reason why '90s cartoons had ad break bumpers that said "_______ will return after these messages." Otherwise you don't know what's an advert and what's not.

 

[Michael Scrip]

This is a video service from Google.

Google is an advertising company.

I'm not shocked by this...

 

[69Mustang]

The thing that gets me about Google is how they intentionally do things to break the rules. Apple has been guilty of things in the past but nothing near as bad as Google and their creepy policies of data mining, users be damned. I'm a really big supporter of privacy rights and honestly that's the biggest beef I have with Google. I mean, they did some shady stuff back in the day with copying iOS but Apple has copied them back enough now that I would call that battle mostly even.

The reason that I prefer Apple over Google is that Apple sells me products and Google sells me to the highest bidder. It mostly comes down to my preference to spend money on quality hardware, software, and services than use free ones that are of questionable privacy and therefore security. I'm sure Google has top notch security, but when you collect that much data I worry about even more elite security operations (such as the government) being able retrieve that information. It's not about them knowing how boring my life is, it's about going off on a power trip. For instance, I have a Nest which I bought before Google acquired them. From that they can tell when I come and go and if I'm being "environmentally friendly" enough. If we just keep giving the government that kind of information then it will lead to further corruption and abuses. At least Apple doesn't collect information about everything that I do. Even the government complains about how secure iMessages is, using scary arguments about children in danger to pull at our heartstrings. Perhaps I'm just paranoid, but I've seen or experienced enough weird (a few really weird) things during my life to give me the right to be paranoid about certain things.

I knew I could count on you for a well thought out answer. It's not one I agree with exactly, but that's not the point. It's a cogent argument. You didn't disappoint.

 

[westrock2000]

I don't understand the issue. Youtube is a FREE SERVICE. It is paid for by ads. If you don't want ads, tell Google you are willing to pay for their video service.

I think many of the replies here are misunderstanding how this service works. It's not about "ads" in the sense of small targeted advertisements between the normal shows.

My son uses this App pretty regularly so I have seen how HE uses it. The shows that he accesses are nearly all reviews or play throughs. Stuff like HobbyKids TV or EvanTube. Or the game play videos.

The game play videos could be innocent but HobbyKids TV and EvanTube are obviously supplied with the products as well additional production materials. This is native advertising. Where it is presented as the neutral 3rd party using stuff by their own choice.

And as mentioned in the original article there are channels for private companies such as Mattel, Lego and McDonalds.

All the so called educational stuff that they advertise as being on the app I have not actually seen. Again based on how my son uses the app. He is 5 by the way.

According to this article, EvanTube brings in over a million dollars a year.

Jared <Evans father> says they have a dedicated sales team that sells ads and negotiates deals with brands and businesses. "These include both ads that appear in and around each video as well as products actually featured in our videos. The majority of the revenue is generated by the ads placed on the video itself," he says. "Outside of the networks, YouTube/Google handles all ad placement within the site. Content creators have a few options regarding the format of ads they would like to allow on their videos. But the actual ads are chosen by some higher power."

 

[macduke]

I knew I could count on you for a well thought out answer. It's not one I agree with exactly, but that's not the point. It's a cogent argument. You didn't disappoint.

LOL, fair enough. I was not aware that I'm recognizable enough that people have opinions about me. Do I post that much? I think I'm usually hovering around 1.25/day. Maybe it's just my long responses. It helps me unwind and crystallize my thoughts and feelings about various issues. Perhaps it's time to change my avatar again so I can blend in! The current orange avatar really stands out. I vectorized an abstract self-portrait painting from freshman year at university.

 

[Tycho24]

Maybe I'm missing your point, but commercials before, during, and after programming have nothing to do with Google, or being evil. Television? I'm lost again. This has nothing to do with television. It's about a youtube app.

If your quote was just a blanket statement about Google, then I get it. If it was specifically about this topic, I guess you see something I don't.

Lol, I guess I do!
It's a bit funny to me that, not even owning a tv... I seem to still have a better grasp on how this stuff "works" than most. At any rate... 1st of all: YouTube is DEFINITELY the new tv. Lots of youth today are watching "shows" on YouTube (my son is nuts about minute physics, the vlog brothers, wil wheaton's tabletop gaming show, a bunch of eclectic news shows, etc.) just as much, if not more than traditional television programs.
Now, as commercials are becoming LESS of an issue with traditional tv due to the incredibly common practice of dvr-ing content & skipping commercials, commercials are becoming MORE an issue on YouTube... I'm sure you remember the days before pre-roll YouTube ads?
But...... this is all copacetic!!!! It is on the up & up. If you want free content, the trade off is viewing adverts. Everybody is aware & no deception is taking place.
However (and this is where you got confused).... this article has NOTHING to do with that!!!
This is not about this very typical form of advertisement, that has shifted from tv to YouTube with very few changes. It is about a NEW form of insidious advert: a very looooong commercial, disguised as a show for the particular purpose of tricking small children into watching it, unbeknownst.
How can this not seem sleazy to every single person that becomes aware of it????? It seems VERY cut and dry to me. It's wrong and it's manipulation. Manipulating the minds of those we are given to protect, for the sake of marketing dollars is craven & (dare I say!) evil.

Ok... stepping off my soapbox, lol.
But I'm standing by what I've said.

 

[rei101]

Well, my 8 year old nephew was laughing the other day because he saw a man doing it on the rear of a girl. So, having Youtube for kids is way safe than trying to install every kind of filter.

 

[thefourthpope]

Google's new motto: "Let's Try Not to Be Creepy"

"Maybe They Won't Notice"

-----

I'm very glad some people did notice. I don't have this app on my devices and don't let my children on YouTube. But I will be certain to share this with the grandparents and school partners who might. Thanks to MR for posting this.

 

[GeneralChang]

I haven't used the app, but I seriously doubt they're targeting the kids any more aggressively than broadcast TV did during Saturday morning cartoons in the early 90's. You had about a 1 to 1 ration of actual cartoon time to time spent in ads for everything from show merchandise to Ring Pops.

Good times.

----------

The difference is that with cartoons on television, there is some balance. There is the show and the commercials. On the app, the kids just end up watching 100% commercials.

Have you ever seen Power Rangers?

 

[69Mustang]

Lol, I guess I do!
It's a bit funny to me that, not even owning a tv... I seem to still have a better grasp on how this stuff "works" than most. At any rate... 1st of all: YouTube is DEFINITELY the new tv. Lots of youth today are watching "shows" on YouTube (my son is nuts about minute physics, the vlog brothers, wil wheaton's tabletop gaming show, a bunch of eclectic news shows, etc.) just as much, if not more than traditional television programs.
Now, as commercials are becoming LESS of an issue with traditional tv due to the incredibly common practice of dvr-ing content & skipping commercials, commercials are becoming MORE an issue on YouTube... I'm sure you remember the days before pre-roll YouTube ads?
But...... this is all copacetic!!!! It is on the up & up. If you want free content, the trade off is viewing adverts. Everybody is aware & no deception is taking place.
However (and this is where you got confused).... this article has NOTHING to do with that!!!
This is not about this very typical form of advertisement, that has shifted from tv to YouTube with very few changes. It is about a NEW form of insidious advert: a very looooong commercial, disguised as a show for the particular purpose of tricking small children into watching it, unbeknownst.
How can this not seem sleazy to every single person that becomes aware of it????? It seems VERY cut and dry to me. It's wrong and it's manipulation. Manipulating the minds of those we are given to protect, for the sake of marketing dollars is craven & (dare I say!) evil.

Ok... stepping off my soapbox, lol.
But I'm standing by what I've said.

Oh bud, don't strain your arm patting yourself on the back there. Your grasp of the situation is tenuous at best. What I was trying to get you to do was focus your argument. You started with a blanket "Google is Evil" with no exposition; as if it's a fact. Then you come with info about not having a TV and proceed to explain advertising on TV as if it's somehow better than advertising on the web. It's no better or worse. It's ads for kids stuff, not the anarchist cookbook or pr0n. The same stuff being advertised elsewhere. I dislike ads as much as the next person but I understand they serve a purpose. Free ain't free. If someone wants a kid to be exposed to less of them they could supervise what they view, discuss what they view, and help them realize the difference between ads and content.

The words you use: insidious, tricking, sleazy... can you say hyper hyperbolic? What I bolded from your comment: That's just an internet meme: OMG! What about the kids! What's next, a claim of 1st Amendment violations? Just kidding. Your quote is a bit over the top though.

Lastly, that thing about the youtube being the new tv. lol. tv is still tv in the vast, vast majority of world. Since you don't own one, maybe youtube is the new tv in your household. But your household is an edge case.

I'm off my soapbox as well. I also stand by what you said. It's your opinion, you believe it. I can respect that. I don't agree with it, but so what.

 

[nick42983]

No company is going to be inherently good or evil, they'll pursue their best interests within the confines of the law (mostly) to maximize their returns.

Lazy bum parents who let children watch poisonous "entertainment" instead of raising them are the guilty party.

 

[tekcor]

I removed the app from my daughter's iPad after it was clear there was absolutely no educational value. On launch day, she watched shows she couldn't see on Netflix, but about a week later content had devolved into "surprise egg openings", toy reviews, and other mindless filler content. There is no way to block videos, either individually or from an author. So it's just gone now.

 

[ssspinball]

It seems to overlook just how truly similar Apple and Google are regarding privacy and security, the environment, accessibility, and human rights.

Dude, Google exists to mine your data while Apple goes out of it's way to avoid even seeing any more data than they have to. Look at Google Wallet vs Apple Pay. One is built from the ground up to harvest transaction data and one does everything possible to stay out of it.

Making a claim that Apple and Google are the same on the privacy front is being willfully obtuse.

 

[69Mustang]

Deleted

 

[69Mustang]

Dude, Google exists to mine your data while Apple goes out of it's way to avoid even seeing any more data than they have to. Look at Google Wallet vs Apple Pay. One is built from the ground up to harvest transaction data and one does everything possible to stay out of it.

Making a claim that Apple and Google are the same on the privacy front is being willfully obtuse.

Dude, either you've never compared the actual privacy policies or you've purposely ignored what you read in Apple's privacy policy. Google and Apple both have similar policies. I've read them. Have you? I bet if you actually read the privacy policy you would be shocked at how much information Apple does share, and again, it's very similar to the information Google shares.

Making a claim that I made a claim that Apple and Google are the same on the privacy front willfully obtuse. Similar (what I said) and same (what you said) don't have the meaning.

I would honestly be interested in why you think their policies are so different... using actual facts and not supposition or anecdotes.

 

[joemod]

At least Apple doesn't collect information about everything that I do.

I agree with almost all of what you have written, except the quoted part. If you think that you may be paranoid then consider the possibility that Apple collects information. Since there is no way to verify Apple's claim that they don't collect and don't sell information, my approach in the matter is that Google undoubtely tracks and sells everything, while Microsoft and Apple may track and sell.
Offtopic I really like Safari's privacy features. Too bad Apple doesn't develop it anymore for Windows so I could stop using other browsers.

 

[Parasprite]

This is just wrong on so many levels. I don't know how they manage to get away such disgusting practices.

There should be way more My Little Pony then that.