The Federal Trade Commission released the final agenda for its October 19 virtual kids digital advertising event that will explore how best to protect children from a growing array of marketing practices that make it difficult or impossible for children to distinguish ads from entertainment in digital media. The event, Protecting Kids from Stealth Advertising in Digital Media, will examine the current kids digital advertising landscape, its impact on children, and whether current legal and regulatory regimes are equipped to protect children from potential harms.
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan will provide opening remarks to kick off the event and will be followed by two presentations discussing the range of digital spaces children, including teens, frequent and the types of advertising and marketing techniques used to advertise to them. The event will also feature three panel discussions focused on:
- Children’s cognitive abilities: Panelists will examine children’s cognitive abilities at different ages and developmental stages to recognize and understand advertising content and to distinguish it from other content.
- Current advertising landscape: Panelists will explore the impacts of the current advertising landscape, including any harms stemming from children’s inability to distinguish advertising from other content.
- Possible solutions: Panelists will discuss the current legal regime, its challenges, and potential ways to protect children from any harmful effects related to digital marketing and advertising.
The event, which begins at 9 a.m. ET, will be webcast on the FTC’s website, www.ftc.gov. Registration is not required to watch the webcast. Information on the panelists and other speakers can be found on the event page. The public will have until November 18, 2022 to submit comments on the topics that will be discussed at the event.