Did you know FTC's Amusing Recommendations for Children's Advertising
Well, folks, brace yourselves for a dose of humor from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report
in which they addressed the topic of "Protecting Kids from Stealth
Advertising in Digital Media," and within this report, they have come up
with some rather intriguing suggestions for advertisers targeting our
little ones.
They've come up with some really intriguing
proposals for those sneaky advertisers who target our children in this
report. If you're an online influencer, game creator, or anyone with the
chutzpah to publish adverts geared at children, you're in for a treat
with the FTC's out-of-the-box formatting approaches. Because obviously,
ensuring that our children can recognize advertisements is the most
important responsibility on our planet.
In what can only be
described as a eureka moment, the FTC suggests that the best method to
minimize harm from fuzzy advertising is to not distort marketing. It's
as if they're saying to advertising, "Hey, just don't be sneaky!" Isn't
it revolutionary?
Yet, hang tight, there's something else! The
FTC suggests that game engineers, virtual entertainment powerhouses, and
content suppliers incorporate short guards or interstitials
(extravagant words for dark or white screens) when their notices. Who
hates a decent pop of variety while going through their #1 substance? We
should disregard nuance and make their adverts as noticeable as a neon
sign in a dull rear entryway!
The FTC presently talks about
"unmistakable in the nick of time disclosures," both oral and composed,
as the masterpiece. They apparently feel that even the tiniest tots will
catch on if you cry, "This is an ad!" loud enough. To be safe, we
should engage a town crier to follow the kids around.
But here's
the kicker: the FTC believes we need a brand-new ad symbol. But not just
any icon, but one that is "easy-to-understand and easy-to-see." Because
the problem with the present icons is that they are simply too
intricate. We can't have our children straining their developing brains
to figure out what an advertisement is, can we?
Hold on to your
hats, for there's more to come. The FTC believes that this new emblem
should be accompanied by "disclosures and customer education." Yes, you
read that right. They suggest that children should not only interpret
the emblem but should also take a mini-course on the complexities of
advertising icons. It's similar to a treasure hunt, but the hidden
treasures are icons and disclosures.
This report has piqued the
interest of advocacy groups Fairplay and the Center for Digital
Democracy. They are overjoyed that influencers and companies have been
brought to their attention. Take note, advertisers: don't even consider
disguising your adverts as engaging and exciting stuff. The FTC is
watching you, and they're armed with black and white displays to prove
it!
Finally, the FTC's proposals for children's advertising are
nothing short of hilarious. They almost seem to be saying, "Be less
sneaky and more upfront, advertisers!" But, in the realm of advertising,
who needs nuance and finesse?
