YouTube reportedly ending targeted ads on videos created for children

YouTube will be ending targeted ads on videos that are watched by children, according to Bloomberg’s sources. This comes on the back of a case by the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which has fined YouTube’s parent company Google for violating child privacy laws.According to the Washington Post, FTC said Google collected data from children who used its services which is a breach in privacy laws in the US. Moreover, YouTube has been struggling to combat child exploitation content since last year. Earlier this year, brands such as Nestle, Walt Disney and Epic Games halted their spend on YouTube after ads appear alongside suggestive videos of children doing activities such as Twister, yoga challenges and gymnastics.To better ensure child safety, YouTube then committed to a “roadmap” and works on auto-moderation tools. In addition, YouTube also said it will be addressing feedback about reducing the discoverability of inappropriate videos, as well as fine-tuning how ads are placed on channels. The platform also disabled comments on videos with minors and allowed parental control over livestreaming by minors.Last year alone, YouTube has terminated and reported 46 thousand offender accounts to National Centre for Missing & Exploited Children, leading to arrests and convictions. The memo also stated that the company’s changes resulted in the removal of 4.3 million videos and 3.7 million comments to date for child safety violations. Marketing has reached out to YouTube for comment.(Photo courtesy: 123RF)[Digital Marketing Asia Conference 2019 in Singapore is back! Join us on 8-9 October as we hear from experienced practitioners and thought-leaders on how they are managing complex digital transitions and reimagining new ways for their marketing to become more customer focused, agile and interactive. Check out the agenda and book your seats today.]Read also:YouTube’s child video exposé: What do local marketers think about it?