If the probe conducted by the Federal Trade Commission(FTC) turns positive, then Google video streaming service YouTube can face a billion dollar fine for collecting data of children under 13.
On further going into the details, Google subsidiary YouTube is being accused of violating the data privacy laws related to children under the age of 13 and so a group has filed a complaint with the FTC against YouTube for breaching the US Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.
On the other hand, the popular video streaming service which is now a business unit of Alphabet Inc, says that it doesn’t take any risks when it comes to privacy. And has already mentioned in its terms of service that children below 13 are restricted from accessing its website.
It added in its statement that despite stern warning available in its service terms fine-print millions of children do not pay heed to it for various reasons and so it cannot solely take the blame for the law breach related to child online Privacy.
Note- Children around the world who are under the age of 13 are seen accessing YouTube content such as Cartoons like Tom & Jerry, peter rabbit, Dora the Explorer; Nursery Rhymes, science experiments or videos of unboxing toys. Some children above the age of 10 are seen listening to music, accessing movie content and many videos related to flora and fauna- it actually depends on their interest.
Among the groups which filed the complaint with FTC, Center for Digital Democracy group happens to be creating a lot of buzzes.
As YouTube Business model relies heavily on tracking IP addresses, account names, search history, device identity, location and some personal data, Google is found handsomely making profits by selling advertising to many online program producers. It basically doesn’t target content to children. But instead of usernames who own that device…like tablets or PCs.
So, children using their parent’s usernames to access content are often targeted with some bizarre content which could be embarrassing in some cases.
However, YouTube is ready to go through the complaint and promised to evaluate things which can be improved on a further note. So, the question of facing a billion dollar fine by the video content streaming giant could just be a media speculation.
