About the YouTube child data privacy class actions settlement
Families across the U.S. are being notified of a major settlement with Google LLC and YouTube LLC. As part of the agreement, the companies will establish a $30 million fund to resolve allegations that they collected protected personal data from children under 13 without required parental consent. If your child viewed child-directed videos on YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020, you may qualify for compensation. Learn what the case involves, who is eligible, and how to file a claim before the January 21, 2026, deadline.
This settlement arises from a group of lawsuits consolidated under Hubbard v. Google, Case No. 5:19-cv-07016-SVK, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, San Jose Division.
The plaintiffs, parents and guardians representing minors, accuse the two tech giants of gathering children’s personal data while they viewed child-focused material such as cartoons and nursery rhyme videos.
They allege this conduct violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and related state privacy laws. Google disputes the allegations and denies any unlawful actions. Rather than proceed to trial, both sides agreed to a negotiated settlement, allowing eligible families to receive compensation while avoiding the uncertainty of litigation.
Why This Settlement Matters
According to the settlement notice, the plaintiffs claim that Google collected personal data from children under 13 as they watched child-directed content on YouTube. They assert that Google allegedly used this information to support its advertising operations, all without the required parental authorization.
These alleged actions form the core of the legal dispute.
The suit is brought as a class action, meaning individuals with similar claims are represented together. Multiple children, through their parents or guardians, served as class representatives. The court has not ruled on whether Google’s conduct violated the law. Instead, the settlement allows both sides to resolve the dispute without further litigation if confirmed. The settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
Under the proposal, the $30 million fund will cover payments to eligible class members, along with administrative expenses, taxes, attorneys’ fees (up to 30% of the fund), and service awards for the guardians of class representatives.
According to Reuters (August 20, 2025), attorneys for the plaintiffs estimate that 35 million to 45 million U.S. children are part of the defined class.
Who Can Join the Settlement?
Eligibility hinges on meeting the settlement’s class definition. You may qualify if:
- You (or your child) were under age 13 at any time between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020;
- AND watched child-directed content on YouTube during that period;
- AND lived in the U.S. at the time.
Anyone who meets the above criteria is eligible to join the settlement. The official settlement notice does not specify any need to provide proof of a YouTube account.
Certain individuals are excluded, including Google employees and their immediate family members, the presiding judge and their family members, settlement attorneys, and anyone who formally opts out of the settlement.
If you are unsure whether you are part of the class, the settlement administrator can provide assistance through the official settlement website or via 1-877-390-3347.
How to File a Claim Before the Deadline
Filing a claim is the only way to request compensation. Claim submissions must be made by January 21, 2026.
Where to File
A claim form can be submitted online at the official settlement site or by mail to:
YouTube Privacy Settlement
c/o A.B. Data, Ltd.
P.O. Box 173131
Milwaukee, WI 53217
Requirements
No documentation is required. Claimants only need to attest that they meet the eligibility criteria. If the claimant is under 18, a parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the form.
Only one claim may be filed per child.
Payout Expectations
At this stage, the exact per-person payment is not yet known. After administrative costs and court-approved fees are deducted, the remaining amount will be distributed pro rata among all valid claimants.
Based on similar settlements referenced in the lawsuit, Reuters reported that attorneys noted that if 1% to 2% of eligible families file claims, payments could fall between $30 and $60 per claimant before legal deductions. This is only an estimate and not a guaranteed amount.
What to Expect After You Submit Your Claim and What’s Next
Take note of these important dates:
- December 8, 2025: Deadline to exclude yourself from the settlement or file an objection
- January 13, 2026: The court will hold a Final Approval Hearing.
Individuals may attend the hearing or request to speak, though attendance is optional. If the court approves the settlement and if no appeals delay the process, payments will be distributed afterward. If any funds remain after distributions, they will be donated to an organization chosen by the Court. None of the remaining money will be returned to Google.
If your child viewed child-oriented content on YouTube during the relevant timeframe, you may qualify for a portion of the settlement fund. Filing a claim is free, requires no proof beyond eligibility, and ensures that your rights in this case are preserved.
File a claim or review the full settlement details to determine your options.
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