Brent Dusing’s journey from a successful tech entrepreneur to a dedicated advocate for children’s online safety paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by those promoting Christian values in the digital space. After selling his mobile coupon company, CellFire, for a substantial sum, Dusing could have easily pursued any path he desired. However, the alarming rise of toxic content available to children through gaming compelled him to take action. In 2023, he founded TruPlay, a Christian gaming platform aimed at providing a positive alternative.
Dusing’s mission is admirable but fraught with obstacles, particularly regarding advertising. As he explained, advertising on platforms like Google and TikTok is riddled with challenges. Dusing’s ads, which carry Christian themes, face regular restrictions, while games that feature inappropriate content often sail through without issues. “We’re hit with violations every week or two by TikTok and Google,” Dusing stated. He juxtaposes this with the platforms’ apparent leniency towards games such as Roblox and Diablo, which, according to him, are far more damaging to children.
Despite TikTok’s claims that it restricts exposure to sexual content for minors, reports from organizations like Global Witness tell a different story. Investigators found that even with safety measures in place, the platform still presents troubling content to young users. Dusing’s concern focuses on the impact this content has on children: “It’s really about the children,” he emphasized. He believes that while kids are inundated with violent and sexual themes, they are deprived of access to messages of hope and faith. His point speaks volumes about the current environment children are navigating.
The struggle doesn’t end with ad violations. Dusing explains the slower recovery process from these setbacks. “To go to fifth gear, you’ve got to go from first, to second, to third, to fourth, to fifth,” he said, illustrating the arduous nature of regaining momentum after encountering ad restrictions. The impatience of being held back while competitors thrive is palpable in his words.
Dusing is not merely resigned to the situation; he actively seeks accountability from the tech giants. He argues that the suppression of religious content is deeply problematic and deserves attention. “When you’re blocking people from getting a worldview to teach them about hope, and truth, and the fact that God loves them, this needs to be exposed,” he insisted. His conviction that there should be consequences for these companies reflects a broader frustration felt by many Christian business owners facing similar challenges.
When the Western Journal reached out for responses from TikTok and Google, the varied reactions were telling. TikTok remained silent, while Google’s response, although cooperative, skirted the issue. The tech giant maintained that ads with religious content are permissible, but Dusing’s experiences indicate that the application of such policies is inconsistent. This inconsistency raises alarm bells regarding free expression and the principles of fair treatment in advertising.
Dusing highlights a crucial distinction between corporate policy and the underlying algorithms that govern ad approval. “There’s a difference between setting a policy as a company and reprogramming your algorithm,” he pointed out. His repeated appeals for change have largely been dismissed, a scenario that underscores what he views as a blatant double standard faced by Christian initiatives.
He draws an unsettling parallel, stating, “If this was a matter of someone not being able to run ads based on their race, or what in America would be considered a minority religion, Google would change their policies instantly.” Here, Dusing captures the essence of his struggle—perceived bias against those promoting Christian values in an environment that claims to uphold free speech for all.
Brent Dusing stands at the intersection of faith and technology. His experiences reveal a landscape not only crafted by algorithms but also shaped by policies that appear to favor certain narratives over others. His resolve to advocate for children and promote wholesome content is commendable, highlighting the need for greater accountability in the advertising practices of tech companies. As the digital world continues to evolve, voices like Dusing’s may prove vital in pushing for change and ensuring that true diversity in messaging is both recognized and honored.
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