Google has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class-action lawsuit accusing the company of illegally collecting data from children under 13 who used YouTube. The lawsuit claimed Google violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by tracking kids’ viewing habits to serve targeted ads — a practice banned for minors.
Although Google accepted the settlement, it denied any wrongdoing.
Who Can Claim Compensation?
The settlement may cover up to 45 million U.S. residents. Anyone who watched YouTube under the age of 13 between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020, could be eligible for a payout once claims open. The exact amount will depend on the number of claims filed.
Google’s Track Record
This isn’t the first time Google has faced scrutiny. In 2019, Google and YouTube paid a record $170 million fine to settle similar charges with regulators.
What’s Next?
The court still needs to approve the settlement process. Once approved, eligible users will be able to file claims. The case highlights growing concerns over child data privacy and increasing calls for stricter tech regulations.
