WASHINGTON, D.C. — On June 4, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) convened a comprehensive workshop titled “The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families,” focusing on the pervasive influence of digital platforms on young users. Held at the FTC’s Constitution Center and streamed online, the event brought together lawmakers, child safety advocates, technologists, and legal experts to examine how technology companies design platforms that maximize user engagement, often at the expense of children’s well-being.
FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson opened the workshop, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding children in the digital age. He highlighted concerns over the use of “dark patterns” and algorithmic designs that encourage prolonged screen time among minors. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) also delivered remarks, underscoring bipartisan support for stronger regulations to protect young users online.
The workshop featured several panels addressing critical issues:
- Are Kids in Danger Online? This panel discussed the exposure of children to harmful content and the psychological effects of addictive app designs.
- How Can the FTC Help to Protect Kids Online? Experts examined the FTC’s role in enforcing existing laws and implementing new regulations to enhance online safety for children.
- Is Age Verification the Future of the Internet? Panelists debated the effectiveness and privacy implications of age verification systems as a means to restrict minors’ access to inappropriate content.
- What Can Be Done Outside of Washington, D.C.? This discussion focused on community-level initiatives and parental strategies to mitigate the risks associated with children’s online activities.
A significant topic of discussion was the recent enactment of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, signed into law by President Trump in May 2025. The legislation aims to enhance the FTC’s authority in regulating digital platforms and enforcing stricter compliance with child protection standards.
The workshop also highlighted recent research findings, including a study by Michelle Nie, which explores how tech companies leverage dark patterns to maintain user engagement and market dominance. Another study by Yixin Chen and colleagues analyzed engagement-prolonging designs on major online platforms, revealing strategies that pressure and entice teens to spend more time online.
The FTC’s initiative reflects growing public concern over the mental health implications of excessive screen time and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. As digital platforms continue to evolve, the agency’s efforts aim to balance technological innovation with the imperative to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
