The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is hosting a workshop titled "The Attention Economy: How Big Tech Firms Exploit Children and Hurt Families" on June 4, 2025, at the FTC's Constitution Center in Washington, D.C. This event aims to address the challenges posed by digital platforms that employ design features intended to maximize user engagement, particularly among children, and to explore strategies for mitigating associated harms.
The workshop will feature panel discussions on topics such as the dangers children face online, the FTC's role in protecting children in digital spaces, age verification requirements, and community-based approaches to safeguarding youth. Notable speakers include FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson, Commissioners Melissa Holyoak and Mark R. Meador, and U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Katie Britt.
Attendees will have opportunities to engage with experts, policymakers, and advocates through interactive sessions and networking breaks. The event is designed for parents, child safety experts, educators, policymakers, and industry professionals interested in understanding and addressing the impact of the attention economy on children and families.
Speakers(7)
Andrew N. Ferguson
Chairman at Federal Trade Commission
Andrew N. Ferguson serves as the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, leading initiatives to protect consumers and promote competition.
Dawn Hawkins
Senior Advisor at National Center on Sexual Exploitation
Dawn Hawkins serves as a Senior Advisor at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, advocating for the protection of individuals from sexual exploitation.
Jon Schweppe
Senior Policy Advisor at Federal Trade Commission
Jon Schweppe is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Chairman's office at the FTC, contributing to policy development on consumer protection issues.
Laurie Schlegel
Representative at Louisiana House of Representatives
Laurie Schlegel is a Representative in the Louisiana House, working on legislation related to age verification and online safety.
Marsha Blackburn
U.S. Senator for Tennessee at United States Senate
Marsha Blackburn is a U.S. Senator representing Tennessee, focusing on issues related to technology, privacy, and consumer protection.
Maurine Molak
Founder at David’s Legacy Foundation
Maurine Molak founded the David’s Legacy Foundation to combat cyberbullying and promote online safety for children.
Michael Toscano
Director of the Family First Technology Institute at Institute for Family Studies
Michael Toscano is the Director of the Family First Technology Institute at the Institute for Family Studies, focusing on the impact of technology on family dynamics.
Event Details
- Date
- June 4, 2025
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C., United States
- Constitution Center
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Parents, child safety experts, educators, policymakers, industry professionals