The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced a virtual workshop scheduled for February 25, 2025. The event will explore the use of design features on digital platforms that aim to keep children and teenagers online for extended periods.
Participants in the workshop will include researchers, technologists, child development and legal experts, consumer advocates, and industry professionals. They will discuss various aspects of these design features, including their potential impacts on the well-being of younger users and how platforms might consider youth engagement levels and kids’ well-being when designing their products.
Key topics to be discussed at the workshop are:
- Whether certain design features lead to increased engagement or time spent on digital platforms.
- The existing scientific research on these topics.
- The physical and psychological impacts of these design features on youth well-being.
- Measures or design considerations related to youth well-being that could be effective, feasible, and legally compliant.
The virtual event is open to the public without requiring registration. A webcast link will be available on the FTC’s website at FTC.gov on the morning of the event.
The FTC is seeking input from individuals interested in participating as panelists or those with relevant expertise. Interested parties should email AttentionEconomy@ftc.gov by November 15, 2024. Formal comments should not be sent to this email address; any formal comment period will be announced later.
Additional information about the workshop, including a list of speakers and an agenda, will be posted on the event page before the event date.
The Federal Trade Commission aims to promote competition while protecting and educating consumers. The FTC emphasizes that it will never demand money, make threats, request money transfers, or promise prizes. More information about consumer topics can be found at consumer.ftc.gov. Fraud reports can be submitted at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media for updates and alerts.
