Parents of Children Under 13 Can Claim Their Share of $30 Million YouTube Settlement

YouTube Settlement: Parents of Children Under 13 Can Claim Compensation

In a groundbreaking development, parents and guardians of children who watched content on YouTube when they were under 13 years old can now seek restitution due to a recent legal settlement. This comes as a result of the Hubbard v. Google case, which raised serious concerns about the collection and tracking of personal data from minors without parental consent by Google LLC and YouTube LLC.

Background of the Case

The case, filed in the federal district court for the Northern District of California, asserted that Google violated laws protecting children’s privacy by collecting information on those under the age of 13 without the appropriate consent from parents. While Google maintains that they did not engage in any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to this sizeable $30 million settlement to bring the matter to a close and to address the claims made against them.

Who is Eligible for Compensation?

Individuals eligible for compensation include U.S. residents who were under 13 years old at any point between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020, and who viewed content on YouTube that was marketed as child-friendly. This settlement is particularly significant as it acknowledges the rights of parents to be informed about what data is being collected from their children.

Details of the Settlement Fund

The $30 million settlement fund will be allocated to cover legal fees, costs associated with the lawsuit, notification, administrative expenses, taxes, as well as compensation for eligible claimants. The total payout will depend on the number of valid claims submitted, with payments distributed proportionately from the fund.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Eligible individuals who wish to claim their share of the settlement must submit a claim form either online or via mail by January 21, 2026. The exact compensation amount will vary depending on the total number of valid claims received. Those wishing to opt out of the settlement to retain their right to sue Google must do so by December 8, 2025.

Additionally, there will be an opportunity for eligible individuals to contest the settlement plan also by December 8, 2025. A final hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, where the court will decide whether to approve the settlement and examine related requests, including legal fees and service awards for those representing the settlement class.

How to Claim Your Compensation

To initiate a claim for compensation, eligible parties should visit www.YouTubePrivacySettlement.com for detailed instructions. Alternatively, they can contact via email at [email protected] or call the provided phone number for assistance. Mail inquiries can be addressed to the YouTube Privacy Settlement, c/o A.B. Data, Ltd., P.O. Box 173131, Milwaukee, WI 53217.

This settlement marks a significant step in addressing concerns over children's data privacy and highlights the importance of parental consent and control in the digital age. Parents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the claim process to ensure their children’s rights are upheld.