Children's Advertising

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Our transatlantic team will be hosting a practical webinar looking at the significant proposed changes in the protection of children online. The webinar will look at the current trends across Europe and the US to provide insights on changes that could impact your business in the year ahead. Please click here to find out more…

With newly proposed legislation, the House has joined the Senate in introducing bipartisan legislation making changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). This pending legislation, when combined with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ongoing COPPA review and workshop, foreshadows expanded COPPA protections, especially for teenagers between 13 and 15 years of age.

To…

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced it is seeking public comment on the effectiveness of amendments made by the agency in 2013 to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection (“COPPA”) Rule, and whether additional changes are needed. In connection with this initiative, the FTC will hold a public workshop on October 7, 2019.

COPPA…

We are all familiar with celebrities and social media stars using their social media accounts to promote brands and products. For some, it is their main source of income and they can make millions in endorsement and sponsorship deals. Major TV and sports icons can command hundreds of thousands of pounds per post, which…

Last month, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (“CARU”) referred claims by Dave & Busters Entertainment, Inc. to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). CARU’s initial inquiry involved Dave & Busters advertising that aired during children’s programming.  The ad started with large text that stated “Free Video Game Play”, and a voiceover said “Dave & Busters has…

In a recent show of force—which some believe is the tip of the iceberg—the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) brought an enforcement action against two mobile application (app) developers for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and, by extension, the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA). Seeking to avoid a drawn out dispute with the FTC, both app developers settled their respective charges, reportedly for a combined $360,000. What makes these cases particularly relevant for our readers are the FTC’s allegations about the relationship of the app developers to the advertising networks and its implications for advertisers and the advertising industry. For an analysis of these allegations, and how the FTC may focus its efforts in this space going forward, read below.
Continue Reading The FTC Won’t Let Them Be: Enforcement Action Brought Against App Developers for Violation of Children’s Privacy Law Presents New Challenges for Advertisers

The German Federal Supreme Court (FSC) released its full decision in the Gameforge “Runes of Magic” case, holding that the language Gameforge used in its advertising was in violation of the German Act Against Unfair Competition. As a result of the FSC’s decision, video games companies and other companies in Germany that create ads directed to children should become more vigilant of the language being used in advertising, or may be subject to a violation.
Continue Reading Landmark Children’s Advertising Court Decision Released in Germany

The ASA has banned the broadcasting of a Beats Pill speakers ad prior to 19:30. Starring Robin Thicke, the overall tone of the ad was deemed to be "sexual." Commissioned by Beats Electronics, the ad seemed to mirror the music video for the number one hit "Blurred Lines". Wearing only hot pants and crop tops,

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