Investigative Report · Big Tech's Dark Money Investment in "Child Safety"

Screenwashing

"Screenwashing refers to tech companies pretending to prioritize their users' health more than they genuinely do. In response to societal concerns about problematic social media usage and to uphold a positive brand image, social media platforms have recently introduced features aimed at ostensibly safeguarding young users from harmful platform use and promoting a healthier experience." Koning IM, van den Eijnden RJJM, Vossen HGM. From greenwashing to screenwashing? J Behav Addict. 2024 Feb.[x]

Updated May 2026 Policy & Influence Ongoing Investigation

The Tracker

Organizations & Their
Corporate Benefactors

Each entry identifies a nonprofit, institute, or industry body that has received material funding from major technology companies while simultaneously advocating for policy outcomes beneficial to those funders. Superscript markers link to the sources section below.

American Academy of Pediatrics logo
American Academy of Pediatrics
501(c)(3) Itasca, IL 60143 (EIN): 36-2275597
About "The mission of the American Academy of Pediatrics is to attain optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. To accomplish this, AAP shall support the professional needs of its members."
    Reported Donors
  • AT&T logo AT&T [x]
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • Gates Foundation logo Gates Foundation [x]
  • Amazon logo Amazon [x]
Boston Children's Digital Wellness Lab logo
Boston Children's Digital Wellness Lab
501(c)(3) Boston, MA 02115 (EIN): 04-2774441
About “The Digital Wellness Lab is a nonprofit research center seeking to understand and promote positive and healthy digital media experiences for young people, from birth through young adulthood.""
Child Mind Institute logo
Child Mind Institute
501(c)(3) New York, NY 10022 (EIN): 80-0478843
About "The Child Mind Institute is dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families experiencing mental health and learning disorders through excellence in science, education, and care. Together, we truly can transform children’s lives."
    Reported Donors
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • YouTube logo YouTube [x]
  • Bezos Family Foundation logo Bezos Family Foundation [x]
  • DELL Technologies DELL Technologies [x]
  • Meta logo Meta [x]
  • Salesforce Foundation logo Salesforce Foundation [x]
  • Amazon logo Amazon [x]
  • Adobe logo Adobe [x]
  • Verizon logo Verizon [x]
  • Comcast logo Comcast [x]
Common Sense Media logo
Common Sense Media
501(c)(3) San Francisco, CA 94103 (EIN): 41-2024986
About “Common Sense Media maintains unbiased ratings, independent research, and fearless advocacy. We are proud to partner with companies committed to putting kids first. Our true north will always be: Before we start working together, we ask ourselves: a) Does this help kids? Partnerships must measurably improve child safety, privacy, or digital well-being. b) Can real change happen? Meaningful influence over products or guidance that affects millions of children is required. c) Does our independence remain intact? Our complete editorial and advocacy independence is non-negotiable.”
    Reported Donors
  • OpenAI logo OpenAI [x]
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • TikTok logo TikTok [x]
  • AT&T logo AT&T [x]
  • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative logo Chan Zuckerberg Initiative [x]
  • Apple logo Apple [x]
  • Comcast logo Comcast [x]
  • Vizio logo Vizio [x]
  • Bezos Family Foundation logo Bezos Family Foundation [x]
  • Gates Foundation logo Gates Foundation [x]
  • Salesforce Foundation logo Salesforce Foundation [x]
  • BestBuy Foundation logo BestBuy Foundation [x]
  • NortonLifeLock logo NortonLifeLock [x]
  • Twitter logo Twitter [x]
  • Verizon logo Verizon [x]
ConnectSafely logo
ConnectSafely, Inc.
501(c)(3) Palo Alto, CA 94303 94303 (EIN): 47-3168168
About "ConnectSafely is a nonprofit based in Silicon Valley that educates people of all ages about online safety, privacy, security and digital wellness. Our resources include research-based safety tips, parents’ guidebooks, advice, news and commentary on all aspects of tech use and policy. We offer in-depth guides and “quick-guides” for parents, educators, youth and policymakers along with resources for seniors and other adults. We also produce the twice-weekly ConnectSafely Report for CBS News Radio along with webcasts, podcasts and special events."
COSN logo
Consortium for School Networking
501(c)(3) Washington, DC 20005 (EIN): 52-1774773
About "CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. "
    Reported Donors
  • Microsoft logo Microsoft [x]
  • Amazon logo Amazon [x]
  • Logitech logo Logitech [x]
  • Zoom logo Zoom [x]
  • Lenovo logo Lenovo [x]
Family Online Safety Institute logo
Family Online Safety Institute
501(c)(3) Washington, DC 20005 (EIN): 82-2774079
About "The Family Online Safety Institute is an international, non-profit organization which works to make the online world safer for kids and their families. FOSI convenes leaders in industry, government and the non-profit sectors to collaborate and innovate new solutions and policies in the field of online safety. Through research, resources, events and special projects, FOSI promotes a culture of responsibility online and encourages a sense of digital citizenship for all."
Girl Scouts logo
Girl Scouts of the USA
501(c)(3) New York, NY 10018 (EIN): 13-1624016
About "Girl Scout research delivers data-driven insights across the Girl Scout Movement and beyond. We measure the impact of Girl Scouting and conduct original research on girls’ leadership, healthy development, and well-being. These reports inform programming, public policy, and advocacy for Girl Scouting."
International Society for Technology in Education logo
International Society for Technology in Education
501(c)(3) Arlington, VA 22201 (EIN): 93-0746782
About "ISTE's mission is to empower educators to reimagine and redesign learning through impactful pedagogy and meaningful technology use. We achieve this by offering transformative professional learning, fostering vibrant communities, and ensuring that digital tools and experiences are accessible and effective. "
    Reported Donors
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • Microsoft logo Microsoft [x]
  • Meta logo Meta [x]
  • Pinterest logo Pinterest [x]
  • Logitech logo Logitech [x]
  • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative logo Chan Zuckerberg Initiative [x]
  • DELL Technologies DELL Technologies [x]
  • Pokemon Pokemon [x]
National PTA logo
National Congress of Parents and Teachers (National PTA)
501(c)(3) Alexandria, VA 22314 (EIN): 36-2169155
About "“Every Child. One Voice. PTA's mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children."
School Superintendents Association logo
School Superintendents Association
501(c)(3) Alexandria, VA 22314 (EIN): 54-1999773
About "The School Superintendents Association is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill."
    Reported Donors
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • Chan Zuckerberg Initiative logo Chan Zuckerberg Initiative [x]
  • Gates Foundation logo Gates Foundation [x]
Sesame Workshop logo
Sesame Workshop
501(c)(3) New York, NY 10023 (EIN): 13-2655731
About "With a mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder, we have created joyful experiences that enrich minds and expand hearts since 1969. Today, Sesame reaches families in 190 countries with playful early learning so we can empower each generation to build a better world."
    Reported Donors
  • Google logo Google [x]
  • Apple logo Apple [x]
  • Bezos Family Foundation logo Bezos Family Foundation [x]
  • Gates Foundation logo Gates Foundation [x]
  • Microsoft logo Microsoft [x]
  • Pinterest logo Pinterest [x]
  • Verizon logo Verizon [x]
  • Comcast logo Comcast [x]
Software & Information Industry Association logo
Software & Information Industry Association
501(c)(3) Washington, D.C. 20006 (EIN): 52-1329859
About "SIIA is the only professional organization connecting more than 700 data, financial information, education technology, specialized content and publishing, and health technology companies. Our edtech membership develops and delivers software applications, digital instructional content, online and distance learning services, online assessment, and related technologies for millions of learners around the world."
    Reported Donors
  • Amazon logo Amazon [x]
  • Anthropic logo Anthropic [x]
  • Apple logo Apple [x]
  • Google logo Google [x]
Mercenary Science: A Field Guide to Recognizing Scientific Disinformation

Mercenary Science

A Field Guide to Recognizing Scientific Disinformation

Replace this essay from David Michael's on Big Tobacco's playbook.

Read More

Sources & Footnotes

1
From greenwashing to screenwashing? How the tech industry plays around with children's future. Ina Maria Koning, Regina JJM van den Eijnden, & Helen GM Vossen
2
American Academy of Pediatrics + AT&T -- January 2022 List of Top 10 Donors, AAP.org (link now dead) https://www.aap.org/en/philanthrophy/corporate-and-organizational-partners/current-partners/
3
American Academy of Pediatrics + Google -- Ibid
4
American Academy of Pediatrics + Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation -- Ibid
5
American Academy of Pediatrics + Amazon -- Ibid
6
Boston Children's DWL + Google -- Feb 2024 List of Active Supporters https://digitalwellnesslab.org/supporters/
7
Boston Children's DWL + Amazon -- Ibid
8
Boston Children's DWL + Character AI -- Ibid
9
Boston Children's DWL + TikTok -- Ibid
10
Boston Children's DWL + Anthropic -- Ibid
11
Boston Children's DWL + Discord -- Ibid
12
Boston Children's DWL + Microsoft -- Ibid
13
Boston Children's DWL + Pinterest -- Ibid
14
Boston Children's DWL + Roblox -- Ibid
15
Boston Children's DWL + Snap, Inc. -- Ibid
16
Boston Children's DWL + Meta -- Ibid
17
Boston Children's DWL + Twitch -- Ibid
18
Child Mind Institute + Google -- May 2026 List of Active Supporters
19
Child Mind Institute + YouTube -- Ibid
20
Child Mind Institute + Bezos Family Foundation-- 2024 Child Mind Institute Annual Report
21
Child Mind Institute + Dell Technologies-- Ibid
22
Child Mind Institute + Meta-- 2023 Child Mind Institute Annual Report
23
Child Mind Institute + Salesforce Foundation-- Ibid
24
Child Mind Institute + Amazon Web Services-- Ibid
25
Child Mind Institute + Adobe-- Ibid
26
Child Mind Institute + Verizon-- 2022 Child Mind Institute Annual Report
27
Child Mind Institute + Comcast-- 2023 Child Mind Institute Annual Report
28
Common Sense Media + OpenAI-- May 2026 Common Sense Media list of supporters: https://commonsense.org/partners
29
Common Sense Media + Google -- 2024 Annual Report
30
Common Sense Media + TikTok -- May 2026 Common Sense Media list of supporters:
31
Common Sense Media + AT&T -- Ibid
32
Common Sense Media + Chan Zuckerberg Initiative -- 2024 Annual Report
33
Common Sense Media + Apple -- May 2026 Common Sense Media list of supporters:
34
Common Sense Media + Comcast -- Ibid
35
Common Sense Media + Vizio -- Ibid
36
Common Sense Media + Bezos Family Foundation -- Ibid
37
Common Sense Media + Gates Foundation -- Ibid
38
Common Sense Media + Salesforce Foundation -- Ibid
39
Common Sense Media + BestBuy Foundation -- 2024 Annual Report
40
Common Sense Media + NortonLifeLock -- Ibid
41
Common Sense Media + Twitter -- Ibid
42
Common Sense Media + Verizon -- 2023 Annual Report
43
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Google -- May 2026 List of Supporters
44
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Apple -- Ibid
45
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Meta -- Ibid
46
ConnectSafely, Inc. + TikTok -- Ibid
47
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Amazon -- Ibid
48
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Discord -- Ibid
49
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Roblox -- Ibid
50
ConnectSafely, Inc. + OpenAI -- Ibid
51
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Snap, Inc. -- Ibid
52
ConnectSafely, Inc. + Uber -- Ibid
53
Consortium for School Networking + Microsoft -- June 2026 List of Supporters
54
Consortium for School Networking + Amazon -- Ibid
55
Consortium for School Networking + Logitech -- Ibid
56
Consortium for School Networking + Zoom -- Ibid
57
Consortium for School Networking + Lenovo -- Ibid
58
Family Online Safety Institute + Google -- June 2026 List of Supporters
59
Family Online Safety Institute + Amazon -- Ibid
60
Family Online Safety Institute + Anthropic -- Ibid
61
Family Online Safety Institute + TikTok -- Ibid
62
Family Online Safety Institute + Apple -- Ibid
63
Family Online Safety Institute + Discord -- Ibid
64
Family Online Safety Institute + Microsoft -- Ibid
65
Family Online Safety Institute + Pinterest -- Ibid
66
Family Online Safety Institute + Roblox -- Ibid
67
Family Online Safety Institute + Snap, Inc. -- Ibid
68
Family Online Safety Institute + AT&T -- Ibid
69
Family Online Safety Institute + Verizon -- Ibid
70
Family Online Safety Institute + OpenAI -- Ibid
71
Family Online Safety Institute + Netflix -- Ibid
72
Family Online Safety Institute + Uber -- Ibid
73
Family Online Safety Institute + Nintendo -- Ibid
74
Girl Scouts of the USA + Amazon -- May 2026 List of Supporters
75
Girl Scouts of the USA + AT&T -- Ibid
76
Girl Scouts of the USA + Google -- Ibid
77
Girl Scouts of the USA + Meta -- Ibid
78
International Society for Technology in Education + Google -- May 2026 List of Supporters
79
International Society for Technology in Education + Microsoft -- Ibid
80
International Society for Technology in Education + Meta -- Ibid
81
International Society for Technology in Education + Pinterest -- Ibid
82
International Society for Technology in Education + Logitech -- Ibid
83
International Society for Technology in Education + Chan Zuckerberg Initiative -- Ibid
84
International Society for Technology in Education + Dell Technologies -- Ibid
85
International Society for Technology in Education + Pokemon -- Ibid
85
National PTA + Meta -- October 2025 List of Supporters
87
National PTA + Google -- May 2026 List of Supporters
88
National PTA + Discord -- Ibid
89
National PTA + AT&T -- Ibid
90
National PTA + TikTok -- Ibid
91
National PTA + Uber -- Ibid
92
School Superintendents Association + Google -- June 2026 Summit Supporters List
93
School Superintendents Association + Chan Zuckerberg Initiative -- October 2019 Chan Zuckerberg Press Release
94
School Superintendents Association + Gates Foundation -- June 2017 AASA Press Release
95
Sesame Workshop + Google -- June 2026 List of Supporters
96
97
Sesame Workshop + Bezos Family Foundation -- Ibid
98
Sesame Workshop + Gates Foundation -- Ibid
99
Sesame Workshop + Microsoft -- Ibid
100
Sesame Workshop + Pinterest -- Ibid
101
Sesame Workshop + Verizon -- Ibid
102
Sesame Workshop + Comcast -- Ibid
103
Software & Information Industry Association + Amazon -- June 2026 Member Companies list
104
Software & Information Industry Association + Anthropic -- Ibid
105
Software & Information Industry Association + Apple -- Ibid
106
Software & Information Industry Association + Google -- Ibid

Editorial note: This tracker is a living document. Funding relationships and organizational affiliations change; all figures and descriptions should be independently verified against primary sources. Where amounts are listed as " " or "reported," primary 990 filings or direct organizational disclosures have not confirmed an exact figure. Corrections and additions welcome. Please email tips@screenwashing.net