Talking to Kids about Deceptive Advertising
Teach your children well, about ads.
Advertising to Kids
With the power to influence parents’ purchasing decisions, their own financial resources and as future adult consumers, children are a valued target audience for marketers.
What You Need to Know
Seen or heard a deceptive ad? Report an Ad
Legal Actions
Roblox
TINA.org found metaverse gaming platform rife with deceptive marketing issues.
Ghost
TINA.org and the UConn Rudd Center found energy drink company using a multifaceted deceptive marketing campaign directed at minors.
Ryan ToysReview
TINA.org investigation revealed popular YouTube channel misleadingly blurring the distinction between advertising and organic content in violation of FTC law.
In the Press
Roblox ads enticed, targeted kids as young as 5 to try caffeinated potato chips, watchdog says
Lisa Fickenscher, New York Post
How Marketers Trick Kids, and Why Parents Should Worry
Herb Weisbaum, Consumers’ Checkbook
Roblox Bid for Ad Riches Collides With Wary Sponsors, Developers
Cecilia D’Anastasio, Bloomberg
The Latest
Milton: Thoughtfully Yours
The best gifts aren’t just wrapped. They’re chosen with you in mind.
‘Wildwood’ Ads Pulled from Kid-Friendly Roblox Game Following TINA.org Inquiry
‘Masters of the Universe’ on Roblox
Alani Nu Facing Increased Scrutiny over Marketing to Kids
TINA.org Prompts Removal of Anti-Aging Products from Roblox Game
Monetizing Minors
Class Actions
Loot Boxes in Valve Games
Product/Service
Loot boxes in Valve games, including Counter-Strike, Dota, and Team Fortress
Allegations
Marketing games with loot boxes that constitute illegal gambling under Washington state law
Designing the loot-box opening experience to imitate slot machines and other casino games
Failing to use safeguards, such as age verification and parental consent, to protect children and teens from gambling features
Failing to adequately disclose the odds of receiving items in loot boxes
Status
Pending
Loot Boxes in Valve Games
Case Name (Date)
In Re: Valve Loot Box Litigation
26-cv-788, W.D. Wash.
(2026)
Product/Service
Loot boxes in Valve games, including Counter-Strike, Dota, and Team Fortress
Allegations
Marketing games with loot boxes that constitute illegal gambling under Washington state law
Designing the loot-box opening experience to imitate slot machines and other casino games
Failing to use safeguards, such as age verification and parental consent, to protect children and teens from gambling features
Failing to adequately disclose the odds of receiving items in loot boxes
Status
Pending
Netflix Kids’ Profiles
Product/Service
Product/Service
Allegations
Falsely claiming “Kids’ Profiles” are “safe for kids” and don’t collect behavioral data when the platform uses an addictive design to keep children on the platform and collects and shares their viewing data with third parties
Status
Pending
Netflix Kids’ Profiles
Case Name (Date)
Mosley et al. v. Netflix, Inc.
26-cv-2534, N.D. Ohio
(Sept. 2026)
Product/Service
Product/Service
Allegations
Falsely claiming “Kids’ Profiles” are “safe for kids” and don’t collect behavioral data when the platform uses an addictive design to keep children on the platform and collects and shares their viewing data with third parties
Status
Pending
Roblox and Fortnite
Product/Service
Roblox and Fortnite
Allegations
Marketing games to minors without implementing safety features, such as parental controls, warnings, and time limitations, and adding addictive features to maximize the time children spend on their games and platforms
Status
Pending
Roblox and Fortnite
Case Name (Date)
Newsome et al. v. Roblox Corp. and Epic Games
26-cv-10650, N.D. Cal.
(Sept. 2026)
Product/Service
Roblox and Fortnite
Allegations
Marketing games to minors without implementing safety features, such as parental controls, warnings, and time limitations, and adding addictive features to maximize the time children spend on their games and platforms
Status
Pending
SNOO Smart Sleeper
Product/Service
SNOO Smart Sleeper baby bassinets
Allegations
Misleadingly marketing that products come equipped with app-based features without disclosing that certain features require consumers to pay a recurring subscription fee
Status
Pending
SNOO Smart Sleeper
Case Name (Date)
Abdolrazek et al. v. Happiest Baby, Inc.
26-cv-9284, N.D. Cal.
(July 2026)
Product/Service
SNOO Smart Sleeper baby bassinets
Allegations
Misleadingly marketing that products come equipped with app-based features without disclosing that certain features require consumers to pay a recurring subscription fee
Status
Pending
Pottery Barn Kids Time-Limited Discounts and Promotions
Case Name (Date)
Cowan et al. v. Williams-Sonoma Stores, Inc. d/b/a Pottery Barn Kids
26-cv-3073, D. Md.
(June 2026)
Product/Service
Pottery Barn Kids merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts and other promotions as available for a limited time
Status
Pending
Pottery Barn Kids Time-Limited Discounts and Promotions
Case Name (Date)
Cowan et al. v. Williams-Sonoma Stores, Inc. d/b/a Pottery Barn Kids
26-cv-3073, D. Md.
(June 2026)
Product/Service
Pottery Barn Kids merchandise
Allegations
Falsely advertising discounts and other promotions as available for a limited time
Status
Pending