Google LLC and its subsidiary YouTube have agreed to a $30 million payout to resolve a long-running class action alleging the illegal collection of children’s data for targeted advertising, according to filings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
The settlement covers an estimated 35 million to 45 million children under 13 who watched content on YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020. Parents of 34 minors from 17 states filed the lawsuit, claiming that Google and YouTube violated privacy and state consumer protection laws by misappropriating children’s personal data without parental consent.
Under the agreement, Google will make a $30 million nonreversionary cash payment to create a settlement fund. Eligible class members who submit valid claims will receive a pro rata share of the remaining funds after administrative costs, attorneys’ fees, and service awards for class representatives are deducted.
“This settlement represents a significant resolution for families impacted by alleged privacy violations and underscores the importance of protecting children’s online data,” the plaintiffs said in their filing.
The case dates back to 2019, following a prior settlement in which Google agreed to pay $170 million to the Federal Trade Commission and New York’s attorney general over alleged violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). After multiple rounds of litigation and appeals, including a 2023 Ninth Circuit ruling reviving state law privacy claims, the parties agreed to mediation and reached the $30 million settlement earlier this year.
The settlement also provides for attorney fees of up to $9 million, reimbursement of expenses up to $250,000, and service awards for 18 guardians ad litem representing the 34 named plaintiffs. Google and YouTube do not admit liability under the terms of the agreement.
Judge Susan van Keulen is scheduled to consider preliminary approval of the settlement on September 23, 2025, alongside the appointment of class counsel and settlement class representatives.
Plaintiffs’ Counsel: Elizabeth C. Pritzker, Jonathan K. Levine, Caroline C. Corbitt (Pritzker Levine LLP); David S. Golub, Steven L. Bloch, Ian W. Sloss (Silver Golub & Teitell LLP)
Defendants’ Counsel: Adam A. Cooke, Amber M. Trincado, Christine Wang (Hogan Lovells)
