County Launches Consumer Fairness Division, Files Three Lawsuits Targeting Tech Firms and Ghost Guns

San Diego County introduced its new Consumer Fairness and Public Protection Division on Sunday, announcing three major lawsuits in its first wave of enforcement actions aimed at holding companies accountable for unlawful business practices affecting children, families, and public safety.

The new division, housed within the Office of County Counsel, is designed to strengthen the county's consumer protection work by responding quickly to emerging threats and ensuring a fair marketplace for San Diego County residents, according to the county.

"People should be able to trust the products they buy, the apps their kids use and the companies they deal with," said County Board of Supervisors Chair Terra Lawson-Remer. "Families are already stretched thin by the cost of living. They should not also have to pay the price when companies mislead them, misuse their information or put their kids at risk."

Three lawsuits filed in Superior Court

**People v. AppLovin Corporation** — The county alleges the mobile advertising company allowed inappropriate advertising content to appear in children's gaming apps despite parental controls, and collected data from minors even when parents opted out. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, along with claims of unfair business practices and false advertising.

**People v. Roblox Corporation** — The online gaming and creation platform, heavily marketed as a safe space for young users, is accused of failing to adequately protect minors from predatory behavior. The county is pursuing injunctive relief, restitution, abatement, and civil penalties.

**People v. Polymaker** — The manufacturer of 3D-printing filament is alleged to have marketed its products for manufacturing untraceable firearms, commonly referred to as ghost guns. The county seeks disgorgement of profits, civil penalties, and injunctive relief.

"The mission of the Consumer Fairness and Public Protection Unit is straightforward: when bad actors or unlawful business practices put our children, our families, and our communities at risk, this office is here to act," said County Counsel Damon Brown. "Our first three lawsuits filed today in San Diego Superior Court are proof positive that we have hit the ground running."

Assistant County Counsel Alysson Snow, who heads the newly formed division, said the Board of Supervisors has empowered the team to take decisive action on behalf of the public and that the unit is already moving quickly to monitor high-risk areas and investigate misconduct.