YouTube is facing a legal battle in the UK over allegations that it breached the privacy and data rights of children under 13. A claim lodged with the High Court against parent company Google accuses the firm of collecting children's data without parental consent, in violation of UK and EU law.
Privacy expert Duncan McCann, who is bringing the action, estimates damages of more than £2bn could be payable to around five million British children and their parents or guardians. The case focuses on children who have watched YouTube since May 2018, when the new Data Protection Act became law.
Mr McCann, a father of three, argues that the internet is now using children as products for digital platforms. He told the BBC that this class action is the first in Europe brought against a technology firm on behalf of children.
A YouTube spokesperson said the company does not comment on pending litigation and reiterated that YouTube is not for children under 13, pointing to the YouTube Kids app as a dedicated destination for younger users. The platform has previously stated it does not sell users' personal information to advertisers.
The outcome of the case may depend on another data privacy case being brought against Google. Campaign group Foxglove and law firm Hausfeld have expressed support for Mr McCann's legal action.
