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Illinois residents who uploaded a video to YouTube and used the face blur feature may qualify to claim an estimated $200 payment from a class action settlement.
YouTube LLC and Google LLC agreed to pay $6,022,500 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging they collected and stored biometric data through the face blur feature without providing proper notice or obtaining consent in violation of Illinois law.
Who can file a YouTube claim?
Class members may file a claim if they:
- Are or were residents of Illinois
- Uploaded at least one video to YouTube
- Used the face blur feature on that video
The estimated number of class members is about 16,500. Only one claim is permitted per person even if they have multiple YouTube accounts.
How much is the face blur payout?
Each eligible class member who submits a valid claim will receive a payment estimated at $200. This amount may be higher or lower depending on the total number of valid claims and deductions for court-approved costs, attorneys’ fees, service awards and taxes.
How to claim a class action payment
Class members can file an online claim form or download, print, complete and mail a PDF claim form to the settlement administrator. The claim deadline is Nov. 30, 2025.
Settlement administrator's mailing address: YouTube Biometric Privacy Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 301134, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1134
Only one claim per person is allowed regardless of the number of YouTube accounts the class member may have. The settlement administrator may contact class members if their information is incomplete or missing.
What information is required to submit a claim?
Class members must provide the email address associated with their YouTube account.
Payout options
- Zelle
- PayPal
- Direct deposit
- Paper check
$6.02 million settlement fund breakdown
The $6,022,500 settlement fund covers:
- Settlement administration costs: To be determined
- Attorneys' fees: Up to $1,505,625
- Attorneys' expenses: To be determined
- Service award to class representative: Up to $5,000
- Taxes: To be determined
- Payments to eligible class members: Remainder of the fund
If, after the first round of payments, there are uncashed checks or returned electronic payments, the settlement administrator will distribute a second round of payments to claimants who cashed their first payment. It will then donate any remaining funds to the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.
Important dates
- Deadline to file a claim: Nov. 30, 2025
- Deadline to opt out or object: Dec. 9, 2025
- Final approval hearing: Dec. 30, 2025
When is the YouTube face blur BIPA settlement payout date?
The settlement administrator will distribute payments approximately 61 days after the court grants final approval or resolves any appeals.
Why is there a class action settlement?
The class action lawsuit alleged YouTube and Google violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting and storing biometric data through the face blur feature without providing proper notice or obtaining consent from Illinois users.
The companies deny any wrongdoing and argue face blur was designed to protect privacy but agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainty, risk and expense of continued litigation.
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