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Google has agreed to pay $30 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming that the company collected personal data from children on YouTube. This Reuters report has sparked yet another debate over the ethical practices of tech giants. The legal action is based on allegations that Google violated the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which prohibits data collection from users under the age of 13.
The lawsuit alleges that the platform tracked kids' viewing habits for targeted advertising using their data, which is illegal under US privacy laws.
The settlement might be provided to more than 45 million people in the United States who watched YouTube while under the age of 13 between July 1, 2013, and April 1, 2020. These individuals may receive small payments as part of the resolution.
Despite denying any wrongdoing, the tech leader has agreed to settle and move on from a prolonged legal battle. The case focuses on the ongoing scrutiny of YouTube data collection methods and raises potential questions about children's privacy in the modern era.
This Google controversy highlights the increasing importance of safety on the Internet and compliance with COPPA. Unlike previous settlements, it is increasingly clear that courts and regulators are holding tech companies accountable for YouTube's privacy violations under COPPA.
The tech titan has also introduced strong parental controls, restricted advertising targeting, and introduced some features focused on kids since 2020. However, critics argue that enforcement should be strong for the benefit of young viewers.
Although the $30 million fine is relatively modest compared to Google's revenue, it conveys that privacy concerns will continue to shape tech policy. For families, the case emphasizes online activity monitoring. For companies, it sends a clear message that even lesser violations could lead to severe consequences.
