Google has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a major lawsuit. The case accused the company of violating the privacy of children who watched videos on YouTube.
Parents accuse Google of violating children’s privacy
According to the lawsuit, Google collected personal data from kids without parental consent. Google allegedly used this data to show targeted ads, which matched a user’s behavior and interests.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 34 children by their parents and guardians. They claimed that Google allowed YouTube creators to make content like nursery rhymes, cartoons, and kid-friendly shows that attracted millions of young viewers. Once children clicked on these videos, Google allegedly gathered personal details from them, such as browsing history and viewing patterns. The lawsuit argued that this collection of data broke privacy laws designed to protect children.
The settlement, however, is not yet final. It was filed in a federal court in California and still requires official approval from a judge. If approved, the payout will close a case that has lasted for years and has drawn attention to how tech companies handle children’s information online.
Settlement details and who can claim
The proposed settlement applies to children in the United States who were under the age of 13 and used YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020. Lawyers believe that between 35 million and 45 million children could fall under this category. This shows how large the case really is, as YouTube has long been one of the most popular platforms for kids’ entertainment.
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Parents or guardians of eligible children will have the chance to file claims once the settlement process begins. Estimates suggest that if only 1 percent to 2 percent of families submit claims, each family will receive around $30 to $60 before deducting legal fees. The number of applicants and the division of the settlement money will determine the final amount.
The lawyers representing the families have requested up to $9 million from the total $30 million settlement to cover legal costs. The remaining money will go to the eligible families who file successful claims. While the payments may not seem very large, the settlement highlights how children’s privacy has become a key issue in the digital age.
Court rulings on other companies involved
The lawsuit originally included several well-known content creators and companies. The parents argued that these content providers knowingly created videos to draw in young audiences, which in turn allowed Google to collect their data. However, earlier this year, the court dismissed claims against these companies. The judge found no clear proof that they were directly involved in Google’s alleged data collection practices.
This left Google as the primary focus of the case. After months of mediation and legal negotiations, the $30 million settlement was reached. It represents a significant step in holding one of the world’s largest tech companies accountable for its handling of children’s data.
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The lawsuit covered a period of nearly seven years. During this time, millions of kids regularly used YouTube for entertainment. They watched cartoons, educational videos, and more. The case showed how easily online platforms can track children’s information and why parents raised concerns about privacy protections.
If the court approves the settlement, officials will then notify eligible families about the process for filing claims. However, although the payments may be modest, the case still reminds families of the risks children face on digital platforms. Moreover, it shows how easily their information can be misused without strict safeguards.
