It is reported that Google is under investigation by the EU, requiring the provision of information regarding its secret advertising collaboration with Meta
EU regulators have requested Google to provide information regarding its secret advertising partnership with Meta, concerning regulations on the treatment of minors online. This partnership has been terminated, and investigations revealed that Google had assisted Meta in marketing to teenagers aged 13 to 17. A Google spokesperson stated that they will continue to protect minors and have conducted internal training to ensure policy compliance
According to reports, the European regulators have requested that Google (GOOGL.US) provide more information regarding its now-canceled secret advertising partnership with Instagram's parent company Meta Platforms (META.US), which ignored the search company's regulations on the online treatment of minors.
It is understood that an investigation in August revealed how Google assisted Meta in a secret marketing project targeting 13 to 17-year-olds using YouTube, a subsidiary of Google's parent company Alphabet, to promote Meta's Instagram.
Reports indicate that this partnership had expanded to the United States and was set to go global but was later canceled.
Nevertheless, the latest reports cite informed sources stating that officials from the European Commission have been investigating this partnership and have sent organized information to regulators who are considering whether to take action.
In October, officials ordered Google's lawyers to collect and review data, presentations, internal chats, and emails related to the advertising campaign.
A Google spokesperson stated in an email, "Our protections for teens, such as the prohibition of ad personalization, are industry-leading and will continue to be effective."
The spokesperson noted that the company has conducted the latest internal training to ensure its sales team is always aware of policies and technical protections.
Meta and the European Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
It is reported that Google restricts ad placements based on age, gender, or interests of individuals under 18.
Earlier this year, Meta launched privacy and parental controls for Instagram users under 18, a significant reform aimed at addressing growing concerns about the negative impacts of social media