YouTube Kids, the video-sharing site's attmept at making content more accessible to parents and kids, is facing major consumer complaints.
The Center for Digital Democracy and the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, among other consumer advoacy groups, are alleging that the app contains a number of videos that "would be extremely disturbing" and "potentially harmful" for young children.
According to CNET, some of the content is inappropriate for children since it includes reference to sex, alcohol and drug use, child abuse, pedophilia and more.
"Google is deceiving parents by marketing YouTube Kids as a safe place for children under five to explore when, in reality, the app is rife with videos that would not meet anyone's definition of 'family friendly.' " assert the advocacy groups in a joint statement released today.
In April, consumer groups filed previous complaints about the app, requesting an investigattion about the company's handling of advertising.
Google launched YouTube Kids in order to provide a safe place for children to view video content. It has been aimed largely at preschoolers and features well-known children's entertainment brands in categories like Shows, Music, Learning and Exploration.
