YouTube Kids stuffed with ads, advocacy groups say

Google Inc.’s YouTube Kids app violates safeguards for children by deceptively blending advertising and programming, according to consumer groups that are asking U.S. regulators to investigate the company.

The video service’s branded channels for Barbie, Lego, McDonald’s and other products mostly show ads, and user-generated content fails to disclose relationships between video producers and product manufacturers, the groups said in a statement Tuesday. They are planning to file a complaint with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

“YouTube Kids exploits children’s developmental vulnerabilities by delivering a steady stream of advertising that masquerades as programming,” said Josh Golin, associate director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood.

Google consulted with child-advocacy and privacy groups in developing YouTube Kids, according to a company spokeswoman. “We are always open to feedback on ways to improve the app,” Google said in an emailed statement.

Peter Kaplan, a spokesman for the FTC, declined to comment.

Google rolled out YouTube Kids this year in a move to expand its audience with videos including Sesame Street and Thomas & Friends.

Federal communications law requires television programs directed at children to clearly separate programming from advertising. Those rules should apply to online video content, said Aaron Mackey, an attorney with Georgetown University ’s Institute for Public Representation. “No matter what screen you’re viewing it on, the same rules should apply,” he said.