Tag: Incognito Mode

  • Google modifies Chrome’s private browsing warning following privacy lawsuit

    Google modifies Chrome’s private browsing warning following privacy lawsuit

    Google Updates Explanation of Incognito Browsing

    Google has made changes to its explanation of incognito browsing, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of its function. This update comes after Google settled a lawsuit in which it was accused of tracking users even when they were in incognito mode. The settlement required Google to pay a hefty $5 billion.

    The updated explanation was spotted by MSPowerUser in the latest version of Google Chrome (version 122.0.6251.0). The new disclaimer now states:

    “Others who use this device won’t see your activity, so you can browse more privately. This won’t change how data is collected by websites you visit and the services they use, including Google. Downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will be saved.”

    In comparison, the previous version stated:

    “Now you can browse privately, and other people who use this device won’t see your activity. However, downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will be saved.”

    The updated disclaimer clarifies that while incognito mode hides a user’s activity from others using the same device, it does not prevent websites and services like Google from collecting data. Additionally, downloads, bookmarks, and reading list items will still be saved.

    Google claims that this update offers users “even more information” and they are satisfied with resolving the lawsuit that they “long disputed.” However, it is likely that the update is a response to the lawsuit and the potential ruling by the judge, which may have required Google to be even more transparent about their data collection practices.

    The plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued that Google’s practices resulted in an “unaccountable trove of information” about users who believed they were protecting their privacy.

    Despite denying the allegations, Google’s decision to settle the case and update the disclaimer suggests a willingness to be more transparent about data collection in incognito mode.

    This is not the first time Google has faced privacy lawsuits. They have previously been accused of violating federal wiretap laws and collecting user data from Wi-Fi networks without permission. The incognito mode case serves as a reminder to be cautious about the amount of information shared online, even when browsing privately.

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  • Preliminary Settlement Reached by Google in Lawsuit Over Incognito Mode

    Preliminary Settlement Reached by Google in Lawsuit Over Incognito Mode

    Google Reaches Preliminary Settlement in Class-Action Lawsuit Over Chrome’s Incognito Mode

    Google has reached a preliminary settlement in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 over its Chrome browser’s Incognito mode. The lawsuit, which originated in the Northern District of California, accused Google of secretly tracking, collecting, and identifying users’ browsing data in real-time, even when using Incognito mode.

    Accusations and Violations

    The legal action, led by Florida resident William Byatt and Californians Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen, alleged that Google violated wiretap laws. It claimed that websites using Google Analytics or Ad Manager gathered information from browsers in Incognito mode, including web page content, device data, and IP addresses. The lawsuit also accused Google of linking users’ private browsing activity with their existing profiles.

    Dismissal Attempt and Judge’s Ruling

    Google initially tried to dismiss the lawsuit by arguing that the warning displayed when activating Incognito mode should serve as sufficient notice to users. However, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers rejected this argument in August. The judge emphasized that Google had not explicitly informed users about the continued data collection during private browsing.

    Settlement Agreement

    After negotiations, Google and the plaintiffs have agreed to terms that will ultimately lead to the dismissal of the litigation. The finalized agreement is expected to be presented to the court by the end of January, and court approval is anticipated by the end of February.

    Trial Cancellation and Damages

    This development effectively halts a scheduled February 5, 2024 trial. The lawsuit sought at least $5 billion in damages, claiming that Google’s analytics, cookies, and apps allowed tracking even when users believed they were browsing privately. The specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed until court approval is obtained by February 24, 2024.

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