Alphabet’s Google has consented to a $30 million settlement in a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that YouTube collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent and used it for targeted advertising—practices that violated privacy laws. The settlement was filed on August 19, 2025, in U.S. federal court in San Jose, California, and still requires judicial approval from U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.
While Google has denied any wrongdoing, the claimants, representing the parents or guardians of 34 children, assert that the company continued the data practices even after a 2019 settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the New York Attorney General, which had imposed a $170 million penalty and mandated changes to YouTube’s data policies.
Claims against content providers such as Hasbro, Mattel, Cartoon Network, and DreamWorks Animation were dismissed in January due to insufficient evidence linking them to data collection practices. Following this dismissal, parties entered mediation in February, culminating in the current settlement proposal.
The class-action covers U.S. children under the age of 13 who watched YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020. Attorneys estimate the potential class size to be between 35 million and 45 million children. If 1% to 2% of eligible claimants file claims—consistent with participation in similar cases—each could receive $30 to $60, before deductions for legal fees and costs. The plaintiffs’ lawyers intend to request up to $9 million in legal fees.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $30 million |
| Suit Filed | August 19, 2025, San Jose, California |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen) |
| Allegations | Collection of children’s data under 13 for targeted ads without consent |
| Previous 2019 Settlement | $170 million with FTC and NY Attorney General (no admission of wrongdoing) |
| Content Provider Claims | Dismissed against Hasbro, Mattel, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks Animation |
| Covered Period | July 1, 2013 – April 1, 2020 |
| Potential Class Size | 35–45 million children |
| Estimated Claim Payout | $30–$60 per claimant |
| Legal Fees Requested | Up to $9 million |
