YouTube Kids Privacy Settlement: Parents Can Claim Cash for Children's Data Collection

December 21, 2025 — Google and YouTube have agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging they illegally tracked and collected personal data from children under 13 who watched YouTube videos — then used that data for advertising without parental consent.

If your child watched cartoons, nursery rhymes, or other kids' content on YouTube between 2013 and 2020, you may be eligible for a cash payment. No proof required.

What the Lawsuit Alleges

The lawsuit claims Google and YouTube violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) by collecting personal information from children who watched child-directed content on YouTube without getting parental consent first.

According to the complaint, Google tracked kids' viewing habits, location data, and device information while they watched content like cartoons and nursery rhymes, then used that data for targeted advertising.

This isn't Google's first COPPA problem. In 2019, the company paid $170 million to settle similar allegations with the FTC. Plaintiffs in this case argue the violations continued even after that settlement.

Google denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs.

Who's Eligible

You may be eligible if your child (or you, if you were a minor at the time):

• Was under 13 years old at any point between July 1, 2013 and April 1, 2020
• Watched children's content on YouTube during that time (cartoons, nursery rhymes, kids' shows, etc.)
• Was located in the United States

An estimated 35 to 45 million people may qualify.

What You Can Claim

Each eligible claimant will receive an equal share of the settlement fund after legal fees and administrative costs are deducted. The exact amount depends on how many people file claims, but based on typical participation rates, payments could range from $10 to $60 per child.

No proof of viewing history is required. You simply attest under penalty of perjury that your child watched kids' content on YouTube during the covered period.

How to File

Go to YouTubePrivacySettlement.com and submit a claim. If the child is still a minor, a parent or legal guardian must complete the form.

You can file one claim per eligible child.

You can also mail a claim form to: YouTube Privacy Settlement, c/o A.B. Data Ltd., P.O. Box 173131, Milwaukee, WI 53217

The deadline to file is January 21, 2026.

What Happens Next

The final approval hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026. If approved, payments will be distributed after any appeals are resolved — typically a few months to a year after final approval.

Download ClassyAction to track this case and get notified when payments are being sent.