Google Pays $30M to Settle YouTube Children’s Data Lawsuit
Google has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class-action lawsuit addressing the company’s alleged collection of children’s data on YouTube. The plaintiffs claimed that Google violated children’s privacy laws by tracking their viewing history without parental consent.
Background of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit filed several years ago accused YouTube of collecting data from users under 13 without obtaining verifiable parental consent. This practice violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act COPPA. Moreover the plaintiffs argued that Google used this data to target advertising to children thereby generating substantial revenue. Ultimately the settlement resolves these claims before they could proceed further in court.
Details of the Settlement
Under the terms of the settlement, Google will pay $30 million into a fund to compensate affected parties. Additionally Google has agreed to implement changes to its data collection practices related to children’s content on YouTube. This includes enhancing age-screening mechanisms and increasing parental controls to ensure better compliance with COPPA regulations.
Google’s Response
Google maintains that it has already taken significant steps to protect children’s privacy on YouTube. The company emphasizes its commitment to providing a safe online environment for kids and families. Furthermore Google states that it continually updates its policies and tools to address evolving privacy concerns and comply with applicable laws.
Implications for YouTube and Content Creators
This settlement may lead to stricter enforcement of COPPA guidelines on YouTube. As a result content creators who produce videos aimed at children might face increased scrutiny over data collection and advertising practices. To address these concerns, YouTube has already introduced features like YouTube Kids to provide a safer environment for younger viewers. Going forward this settlement could prompt further refinements to such platforms.
Google’s $30 Million YouTube Settlement
On August 19-2025 Google agreed to a $30 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging that YouTube violated children’s privacy by collecting personal data without parental consent and using it for targeted ads. The case involves U.S. children under 13 who watched YouTube between July 1-2013 and April 1- 2020 and potentially covers 35-45 million claimants. Compensation could range from $30 to $60 per claimant if 1–2% file claims. The settlement is pending judicial approval.Reuters
Genshin Impact Developer’s $20 Million COPPA Settlement
Earlier in 2025 January 17 the FTC announced a $20 million settlement with the developer of Genshin Impact for COPPA violations and deceptive marketing. Specifically the developer collected personal information from children and misled users about in-game purchases and odds.
Strengthening the COPPA Framework
The FTC finalized its first major updates to the COPPA Rule since 2013. Announced on January 16 2025 the Final Rule imposes new obligations including:
- Mandatory separate parental consent before disclosing a child’s personal information to third parties e.g. for advertising or AI training.
- Enhanced data retention rules operators may retain data only as long as necessary for its original purpose.
- Stricter obligations around notice safe harbor programs and data security requirements.
State-Level Enhancements
- Virginia now requires parental consent for processing known children’s personal data and mandates data protection assessments.
- Colorado similarly updated its privacy law to better safeguard youth.
