Google's new YouTube Kids application is facing opposition from a group of child advocacy organizations claiming its advertising features are deceptive and unfair.
The application, which features popular children's programming from around the world, has been accused of being deceptive and may even be investigated by the Federal Trade Commission.
"It's just one, long, uninterrupted ad," said Jeff Chester of Democratic Media, according to USA Today.
"It turns back the clock 30 years in terms of the role that advertising plays in kids programming."
The YouTube Kids application includes a timer that allows parents to control how long their children are able to view videos and which pieces of content they can subscribe to. However, critics claim its ad policy is deceptive because major food franchises like McDonald's have their own channels on the site, where they promote foods deemed unhealthy by many.
Additionally, there are multiple "unboxing ads" which feature characters unwrapping candy and toys out of packaging, which have also been a point of criticism.
"There are no limits on the amount of advertising, there's no separation between advertising and programming," said Angela Campbell of the Institute for Public Representation at Georgetown Law School, who serves as counsel to the coalition, according to USA Today.
YouTube officials have opposed criticisms and have mentioned that content should not be reserved only for families who could afford the service.
