Google Moves Toward $8.25 Million Settlement Over Alleged Child Data Tracking - USA Herald
Google is set to pay $8.25 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging improper data collection from children via mobile apps.Summary
Google has proposed an $8.25 million settlement to resolve a class action lawsuit accusing the company of illegally collecting personal data from children under 13 through apps in its 'Designed for Families' program. The lawsuit, filed in June 2023, claims Google’s AdMob platform enabled developers to gather data without verified parental consent, violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and state consumer protection laws. Parents representing the children argue the settlement provides a meaningful recovery and avoids prolonged litigation, while Google maintains the amount reflects realistic trial risks. The settlement class could include between 3.8 million and nearly 19.8 million children. Plaintiffs’ counsel are seeking up to $2.475 million in fees and $70,905 in expenses, and guardians may request service awards of up to $500 each. This settlement follows a separate $30 million resolution in a related 2019 case involving similar allegations against Google and YouTube.
(Source：USA Herald)