Google owned YouTube has been accused of violating child protection laws in the US, by a collection of 23 consumer, child safety and privacy advocacy groups.
The coalition has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleging that YouTube collects data, and the browsing habits of its users, even if they are children under 13 years, and uses it to target advertising.
"YouTube was skirting the law and profiting off of children without parents' knowledge or consent".
The group, which includes the Campaign for Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), also argued that YouTube does not meet the requirements of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Websites run for children must inform parents if they collect personal data, and must seek parental permission before tracking data about children.
"Those are the basic requirements, and Google doesn't even try to meet them. Instead, their privacy policy says that YouTube isn't for children under 13, and that kids shouldn't use it," the CCFC said in a statement.
"YouTube is one of the most popular kids' websites in the world, and they know it," the CCFC said.
"Many of YouTube's most successful channels feature nursery rhyme videos, cartoons, toy ads and other content designed to capture young children's attention. YouTube provides how-to guides for creators making videos for kids.
"Google knows kids are there, and they are not taking steps to protect their privacy."
In a statement, Google said: "YouTube is not for children".
Google said the YouTube website is designed for people aged 13 and over, and people should be at least 13 years old to register an account.
The company said it is yet to receive the group's complaint, but said protecting children and families was a "top priority".
"We will read the complaint thoroughly and evaluate if there are things we can do to improve," it said in a statement.
Google said its advertiser tools did not include the option to target adverts at under-13s.
It added that it offered the YouTube Kids app "specifically designed for children".
However, Google has been criticized for using algorithms to curate the app's content. Inappropriate videos have repeatedly appeared on YouTube Kids.
