Food Companies’ Tech Ties Pose Harm to Kids, Consumer Group Says
- Report says data collection boosts promotion of unhealthy food
- Group’s report released as lawmakers scrutinize tech industry
Photographer: Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg
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Food and beverage companies are working with the technology industry to aim their products and digital advertising at younger people, effectively creating an environment that’s harmful to the health and well-being of children, according to a consumer advocacy group.
The Center for Digital Democracy released a report Wednesday claiming that companies like PepsiCo Inc. and McDonald’s Corp. have teamed up with big technology firms to “work together as a system, where the lines between them are often blurred” to develop marketing strategies specifically targeting young people on the internet.