Parents across the United States can now file claims in the $30 million Google and YouTube Privacy Class Action Settlement. This settlement applies to families whose children watched kid-friendly videos on YouTube between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020.
The lawsuit alleged that YouTube collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent a violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). While Google denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle to avoid a lengthy and costly trial.
What the Settlement Covers?
The case, Hubbard v. Google, No. 5:19-cv-07016, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. It accused YouTube of tracking children who watched popular child-directed videos such as cartoons, nursery rhymes, and educational clips.
Under the settlement, Google will pay $30 million to resolve the claims without admitting liability.
Who Is Eligible to Claim Payment?
You may qualify for payment if:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | You or your child lived in the United States |
| Age | The child was under 13 years old during the covered period |
| Timeframe | Between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020 |
| Activity | The child watched kid-directed content on YouTube or YouTube Kids |
Even if your child is now over 18, you can still file a claim as long as they were under 13 during that time. Parents or legal guardians must complete and submit the claim form.
Settlement Amount and Fund Breakdown
The total settlement fund is $30 million, which will cover:
- Payments to eligible claimants
- Administrative and legal expenses
- Attorneys’ fees (up to 30% of the total fund)
- Service awards of up to $1,500 for class representatives
After these costs, the remaining funds will be distributed on a pro-rata basis meaning each approved claimant receives a share based on the total number of valid claims. Estimated payments range between $10 and $60 per child.
How to File a Claim
Eligible parents or guardians can file their claims online or by mail:
Online: Go to YouTubePrivacySettlement.com and complete the online claim form.
By Mail: Send your completed claim form to:
YouTube Privacy Settlement
- c/o A.B. Data Ltd.*
- P.O. Box 173131*
- Milwaukee, WI 53217*
Deadline: January 21, 2026
- Online claims must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on that date.
- Mailed claims must be postmarked no later than January 21, 2026.
No proof of viewing history is required you simply need to confirm that your child watched children’s content during the eligible period.
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Claim Filing Deadline | January 21, 2026 |
| Opt-Out Deadline | December 8, 2025 |
| Objection Deadline | December 8, 2025 |
| Final Approval Hearing | January 13, 2026 |
If you don’t file a claim, you won’t receive any payment and will still be bound by the Court’s final decision.
Privacy and Safety of Your Child’s Information
All claims are processed through a secure, court-approved website managed by the settlement administrator. Parents should avoid posting any personal or child-related details publicly and should share information only through the authorized channels.
Submitting Claims for Multiple Children
If more than one of your children meets the eligibility requirements, you can file separate claims for each child to ensure proper processing and payment accuracy.
Using a Shared or Family Account
You may still qualify even if the videos were watched on a shared or family YouTube account. Eligibility is based on the child’s age and the nature of the content viewed, not on who owns the account.
Class Representation
The Court has appointed Silver Golub & Teitell LLP and Pritzker Levine LLP as Class Counsel. These law firms will oversee the legal proceedings and have requested up to 30% of the settlement fund for attorney fees, along with $250,000 in expenses.
Payment Details
Once the Court gives final approval and any appeals are resolved, payments will be distributed to approved claimants. Payouts may take several months and could extend up to two years depending on administrative timelines.
If You Take No Action
If you don’t file a claim, you will not receive any compensation and will still be legally bound by the settlement terms and the Court’s decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the $30M YouTube Privacy Class Action Settlement about?
It resolves claims that Google and YouTube collected personal data from children under 13 without parental consent.
Who can claim the settlement?
U.S. residents whose children were under 13 and watched child-directed content between July 2013 and April 2020.
How much will each claimant receive?
Payments are estimated between $10 and $60 per eligible child, depending on the total claims submitted.
Do I need proof of viewing history?
No. You only need to confirm your child watched kids’ content during the eligible timeframe.
What is the final date to apply?
Claims must be submitted by January 21, 2026.