MrBeast under scrutiny for child advertising practices
Privacy concerns arose after Feastables collected children’s data without parental consent.
The Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) has advised MrBeast, LLC and Feastables to strengthen their advertising and privacy practices following concerns over promotions aimed at children.
CARU found that some videos on the MrBeast YouTube channel included undisclosed advertising in descriptions and pinned comments, which could mislead young viewers.
It also raised concerns about a promotional taste test for Feastables chocolate bars, which appeared to children as a valid comparison despite lacking a scientific basis.
Investigators said Feastables sweepstakes failed to clearly disclose free entry options, minimum age requirements and the actual odds of winning. Promotions were also criticised for encouraging excessive purchases and applying sales pressure, such as countdown timers urging children to buy more chocolate.
Privacy issues were also identified, with Feastables collecting personal data from under-13s without parental consent. CARU noted the absence of an effective age gate and highlighted that information provided via popups was sent to third parties.
MrBeast and Feastables said many of the practices under review had already been revised or discontinued, but pledged to take CARU’s recommendations into account in future campaigns.
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