NEW YORK, September 19 — A nine-year-old boy spent $118,000 on YouTube advertising to promote a Minecraft channel, using his father’s company credit card. The father lost his job over the unauthorized charge, and says he will be “working until I’m like 94” to recover. The bottom line: a single child’s spending spree on a video platform has produced a six-figure debt and a lost income.
The father has not been publicly identified in the initial reporting, and the specific details of his employer and the exact circumstances of his termination have not been disclosed.
How the money moved
The child used the company card to buy advertising on YouTube, the Google-owned video platform, to promote Minecraft-related content. YouTube’s advertising system lets users pay to promote videos, with costs varying based on targeting and competition. The father’s job loss stemmed from the unauthorized use of the company card.
Minecraft, a sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios, was first released in 2011 and has become the best-selling video game of all time, with more than 300 million copies sold as of 2023. Its popularity among children has spawned a vast ecosystem of YouTube creators who produce Minecraft gameplay videos, tutorials and commentary, often earning revenue through the platform’s Partner Program.
The age question
The son’s age, nine, places him below the minimum age requirement for many online platforms, which typically require users to be at least 13. YouTube’s terms of service require users to be at least 13 years old, though children can use the platform under parental supervision. The advertising purchase would have required a Google account and a valid payment method, raising questions about how the child accessed the company credit card.
The financial figure is substantial and could take years to repay. The father’s quote about working until 94 is a stark illustration of the debt’s impact, though his current age and profession remain unknown.
What follows
YouTube and Google have policies for unauthorized purchases, but it is unclear whether the family has sought a refund or if any funds have been recovered. As of the report, no legal action has been announced, and the family’s current financial situation is not detailed. The case adds to ongoing discussions about tech companies’ responsibility to prevent unauthorized transactions by minors and the need for better safeguards.
It also serves as a reminder for parents to monitor their children’s online activities and secure payment information. The story is developing, and further details may emerge.
