Google and Meta under European scrutiny over teen ad partnership
An enquiry into advertising practices targeting minors.
European regulators are investigating a previously undisclosed advertising partnership between Google and Meta that targeted teenagers on YouTube and Instagram, the Financial Times reports. The now-cancelled initiative aimed at promoting Instagram to users aged 13 to 17 allegedly bypassed Google’s policies restricting ad personalisation for minors.
The partnership, initially launched in the US with plans for global expansion, has drawn the attention of the European Commission, which has requested extensive internal records from Google, including emails and presentations, to evaluate potential violations. Google, defending its practices, stated that its safeguards for minors remain industry-leading and emphasised recent internal training to reinforce policy compliance.
This inquiry comes amid heightened concerns about the impact of social media on young users. Earlier this year, Meta introduced enhanced privacy features for teenagers on Instagram, reflecting the growing demand for stricter online protections for minors. Neither Meta nor the European Commission has commented on the investigation so far.
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