San Diego County files lawsuit against AppLovin over child‑inappropriate ads
San Diego County’s Consumer Fairness and Public Protection Unit sued AppLovin Corporation in San Diego Superior Court on October 5, alleging the company’s SDK served sexual, violent and substance‑related ads to children and removed a COPPA‑support feature. The 62‑page complaint cites device tests on children’s tablets that displayed adult content in games rated for all ages. AppLovin denies knowingly serving such ads and says its policies prohibit them.
Why it matters
The lawsuit could force AppLovin to change its SDK, pay restitution and face penalties, which may affect its revenue from mobile‑game advertising. The company’s statement that it does not knowingly target children suggests a potential dispute over compliance costs.
Key facts
- 1San Diego County filed a 62‑page complaint against AppLovin in San Diego Superior Court on October 5. ppc.land
- 2The complaint alleges AppLovin’s SDK is present in 73% of the top mobile games. ppc.land
- 3AppLovin removed the COPPA Support call in SDK version 13.0.0 dated September 15 2024. ppc.land
- 4Device tests on a six‑year‑old’s tablet showed ads for sex toys, bondage, gambling and vaping in games rated for children. ppc.land
- 5The county seeks injunction, restitution and penalties under California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law. ppc.land
- 6AppLovin denies knowingly serving ads to children and says its policies prohibit such content. ppc.land
Summary written by AlphAI from 4 of 4 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.