FOSI Statement on FTC Google/YouTube Settlement

September 3, 2019

Today’s announcement by the FTC of its settlement with Google and YouTube is an important reckoning for the company in particular and for the tech industry, in general. The FTC has done the right thing by enforcing the law and by securing a number of important changes in the business practices of YouTube.

COPPA remains a key protector of children’s privacy online. However, it has created unintended consequences by inhibiting the creation of quality kids content among small to medium-sized providers. We therefore welcome Google’s announcement of a $100M fund to promote the creation of original content for kids on YouTube and YouTube Kids.

- Stephen Balkam, CEO of the Family Online Safety Institute