By Amanda Groves, Technology Correspondent
Washington, D.C., June 4, 2025
In a crucial workshop held today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) addressed growing concerns about the influence of major technology companies on children and families. Titled “The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families,” the session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, child advocacy groups, and industry leaders. The discussion focused on the ethical responsibilities of tech companies and examined the challenges posed by digital platforms in shaping young users’ experiences.
Addictive Design: How Tech Companies Keep Kids Engaged
A key topic of the workshop was the addictive nature of certain apps and games that dominate the digital landscape for children. Experts explained how these platforms are intentionally designed to maximize user engagement, often at the expense of children’s health and development. Features like infinite scrolling, personalized notifications, and rewards systems encourage kids to spend more time on their devices, leading to unhealthy screen time habits.
Dr. Emily Johnson, a psychologist specializing in child development, spoke on the dangers of these design choices. “The goal of many apps is not just to entertain children, but to keep them hooked for as long as possible,” she said. “This leads to negative impacts, including disrupted sleep patterns, attention problems, and reduced social interactions.”
As children’s interactions with digital devices grow increasingly pervasive, the debate over addictive design has gained significant attention. Nearly 45% of teens report being online “almost constantly,” according to the Pew Research Center, underscoring the extent to which children are engaging with tech products daily. With this high level of exposure, the workshop served as an important forum for exploring how companies could better protect their younger users.
Privacy and Data Collection: A Growing Concern
Privacy was another significant issue discussed during the workshop. With millions of children using apps and games, the collection and handling of their personal data has come under intense scrutiny. Tech companies often gather detailed information about young users, including behavioral patterns and preferences, which can be used for targeted advertising and other profit-driven purposes.
Advocates for child safety are calling for stricter regulations on data collection, especially when it comes to minors. Under current laws like the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), companies are restricted in how they collect and use children’s data, but experts argue these rules need to be updated to keep up with the changing digital landscape.
Many tech giants have found ways to bypass existing regulations, raising concerns about how children’s data is used, stored, and shared. “We need to look at more comprehensive solutions,” said Rachel Taylor, a privacy advocate at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “Current laws aren’t enough to protect children in the current digital environment. Companies must be held accountable for how they handle sensitive information.”
The workshop also highlighted the need for greater transparency from tech companies. The FTC’s efforts to regulate the industry have largely focused on the broader issue of data privacy, but many experts believe stricter laws and stronger enforcement are necessary to ensure that children’s personal information is adequately protected.
Industry Accountability: Calls for Greater Transparency
Another major theme of the workshop was the need for increased accountability within the tech industry. Industry leaders and advocates alike called for more transparency about the impact of digital platforms on children’s well-being. Tech companies must adopt clearer policies that prioritize user safety, particularly when it comes to younger audiences.
“Companies need to stop viewing children as data points or profit margins,” said Sam Lee, a representative from Common Sense Media. “The health and safety of our children should be the first priority, not how much money a company can make from them.”
Several technology company leaders who attended the workshop acknowledged that there is room for improvement. In a statement following the event, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg agreed with the need for stronger digital safeguards: “We are committed to making our platforms safer for young people, but this is a shared responsibility across the entire tech ecosystem. We must do more to ensure safety is prioritized.”
While some executives defended their company’s efforts in protecting young users, the overall message was clear: the tech industry must do more to address the growing concerns surrounding child safety online.
A Step Toward Reform: What’s Next?
Today’s workshop marked a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of technology, privacy, and child development. As digital platforms continue to dominate children’s lives, the FTC’s call for action has become more urgent. The discussions outlined the need for tech companies to rethink their approach to user engagement, focusing on minimizing harm to young users while fostering a safer online environment.
Looking ahead, the FTC is expected to develop new guidelines aimed at improving online safety for children. These potential reforms could include updated data protection laws, more transparent policies from tech companies, and stricter regulations regarding addictive design practices. As the digital age evolves, the hope is that stronger regulations will ensure children can interact with technology in a way that promotes their health and well-being rather than exploiting their attention for profit.
The FTC’s leadership in bringing these issues to the forefront represents a crucial turning point in the conversation about the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. How the industry responds in the coming months and years will likely shape the future of children’s digital lives for generations to come.