Google has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it violated children’s privacy on YouTube, according to Reuters.
The lawsuit claimed the tech giant collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent, using it for advertising purposes. While Google denies wrongdoing, the settlement allows the company to avoid prolonged litigation.
Who Is Eligible for the YouTube Children’s Privacy Settlement?
Consumers in the United States who meet the following criteria may be eligible for a Children’s YouTube Privacy Settlement payout:
- Anyone who was under 13 and watched children’s content on YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020.
- Parents or legal guardians can file claims on behalf of their child if the child meets the eligibility criteria.
- If the child is under 18 when submitting a claim, a parent or guardian must submit it.
- Only one claim per eligible child is allowed.
Up to 45 million U.S. residents could qualify to receive a portion of the settlement.
Expected Payout Amount
The settlement fund totals $30,000,000, with allocations as follows:
- Notice and administration costs: Up to $1,000,000
- Attorneys’ fees: Up to $9,000,000
- Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $250,000
- Service awards for class representatives’ guardians: Up to $1,500 each
- Payments to valid claimants: Remaining funds, distributed as pro rata cash payments
The exact payout will depend on the number of claims filed, with eligible claimants receiving a proportional share of the net settlement fund.
How to File a Claim
Eligible claimants can submit a claim online or by downloading a PDF claim form to print and mail to the settlement administrator. No additional documentation is required at the time of submission, though the administrator may request more information if necessary.
Payment options include:
- Electronic payment
- Paper check mailed to the address provided
The settlement website and claim form will be available approximately 30 days after preliminary approval is granted by the court.
Key Dates for the YouTube Children’s Privacy Settlement
- Preliminary approval hearing: September 23, 2025
- Settlement website and claim form availability: 30 days after preliminary approval
- Final payout date: After the court grants final approval and claim processing is completed
The lawsuit alleged that Google collected data from children under 13 watching YouTube without parental consent, which violates the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). Plaintiffs claimed this data was then used for targeted advertising.
Google continues to deny any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of ongoing litigation.
This Children’s YouTube Privacy Settlement provides a way for eligible families to claim compensation while reinforcing the importance of online privacy protections for children.
