Google Agrees to Settle Lawsuit Over Alleged Secret Tracking in Incognito Mode

Google has reached a settlement in a high-profile lawsuit that accused the tech giant of secretly tracking the internet activities of millions of users who believed they were browsing privately in “Incognito” mode. The settlement, which was announced on December 28, 2023, puts an end to a legal battle that has been closely watched by privacy advocates and internet users worldwide.

The lawsuit, filed against Google by a group of individuals, alleged that the company had violated federal wiretapping and privacy laws by intentionally intercepting and collecting users’ internet browsing data, even when they were using the widely-used “Incognito” mode. This mode is supposed to provide users with a higher level of privacy by not storing their browsing history or search queries.

In response to the allegations, Google had argued that it clearly disclosed that some data might still be visible to websites and internet service providers while using “Incognito” mode. The company also stated that users had the option to use other privacy tools, such as browser extensions, to enhance their privacy further. However, the plaintiffs argued that Google’s actions went beyond what was reasonable and expected, and that the company had misled users about the level of privacy offered by “Incognito” mode.

The terms of the settlement, which still require court approval, include a monetary payment by Google to the affected users. The exact amount of the settlement has not been disclosed, but it is expected to be significant given the scale of the lawsuit. Additionally, as part of the settlement, Google has agreed to make certain changes to its data collection practices and provide clearer information to users about the privacy implications of using its services.

Privacy advocates have hailed the settlement as a significant victory for user privacy rights. They argue that it sends a strong message to tech companies that they cannot deceive users or disregard their privacy concerns. The outcome of this lawsuit could also have broader implications for other companies in the tech industry, as it raises important questions about the limits of data collection and the responsibilities of companies when it comes to protecting user privacy.

Google, for its part, has acknowledged the settlement in a statement but has not admitted any wrongdoing. The company maintains that it has always been transparent about its data collection practices and believes that the settlement is in the best interest of all parties involved.

While this settlement represents a resolution to the specific allegations against Google, it is unlikely to be the end of the debate surrounding online privacy. With the increasing amount of personal data being collected and the growing concerns about surveillance and data breaches, the issue of online privacy is likely to remain a contentious and evolving topic. It is crucial for both individuals and companies to stay informed about their rights and obligations regarding privacy in the digital age.

In conclusion, Google’s agreement to settle the lawsuit alleging secret tracking in “Incognito” mode marks an important development in the ongoing battle for online privacy. The settlement brings some measure of compensation to affected users and highlights the need for transparency and accountability in data collection practices. As technology continues to advance, the protection of user privacy remains a critical issue that warrants ongoing attention and scrutiny.

.

BREAKING: Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging they secretly tracked the internet use of millions of people who were using “Incognito” mode and thought they were doing their browsing privately.

— Patrick Webb (@RealPatrickWebb) December 28, 2023

Source

@RealPatrickWebb said BREAKING: Google has agreed to settle a lawsuit alleging they secretly tracked the internet use of millions of people who were using "Incognito" mode and thought they were doing their browsing privately.

RELATED STORY.