Google Agrees to pay $5 Billion Privacy Lawsuit Over Tracking People Using ‘Incognito Mode’

 

Google has reached a settlement in a $5 billion privacy lawsuit, addressing allegations that it engaged in tracking users who utilized the "incognito" mode in its Chrome browser and equivalent "private" modes in other browsers. The class-action lawsuit, initiated in 2020, claimed that Google misled users by suggesting their internet activities would not be tracked while using incognito mode. It contended that Google's advertising technologies and other methods continued to collect information about users' site visits and activities, despite the assurance of "private" browsing.

The lawsuit further asserted that Google's actions resulted in an "unaccountable trove of information" about users who believed they had taken measures to safeguard their privacy.

Although the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, it still awaits approval from a federal judge. The original lawsuit sought $5 billion on behalf of users. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs anticipate presenting the court with a final settlement agreement by February 24.

As of now, Google has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment on the settlement. The resolution of this case raises questions about online privacy expectations and the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring the efficacy of their privacy features.