Google’s Settlement on Incognito Mode Tracking
In a significant development, Google has reached a settlement in a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of tracking user activity even when Chrome’s Incognito mode was enabled. The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, led to Google updating the description of Incognito mode in Chrome to more accurately reflect its privacy limitations.
The new description in the Chrome Canary build clarifies that while Incognito mode can help users browse more privately on a shared device, it does not prevent websites, including Google, from collecting user data. This change aims to provide users with a clearer understanding of what Incognito mode does and does not protect against.
Incognito Mode Description Update
When opening a new Incognito tab in Chrome Canary, users will now encounter an updated text description of the privacy features. Below is a comparison of the old and new text descriptions:
| Old Text Description | New Text Description |
|---|---|
| “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.” | “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.” |
The key changes include the addition of the phrase “including Google” to make it clear that Google may still collect data, and the shift from “browse privately” to “browse more privately,” indicating that the privacy offered by Incognito mode is not absolute.
Settlement Details
The settlement regarding the class-action lawsuit against Google’s Incognito mode tracking is pending public release. It is expected to be presented to the court in late January and, if approved, will be finalized by February.
Google’s Response
Google has expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the case, which it had long disputed, and emphasizes that Chrome will now offer “even more information to users about Incognito Mode.”
Here are some key points about what Chrome tracks in Incognito mode:
- Chrome does not save your browsing history, cookies, site data, or information entered in forms.
- Files you download and bookmarks you create will be kept.
- Your activity isn’t hidden from websites you visit, your employer or school, or your internet service provider.
Google’s official response highlights their commitment to providing users with clear information about the privacy features of Incognito mode.
Incognito mode has often been perceived as a tool for achieving complete privacy online, but the reality is that it offers a more limited form of privacy. It’s primarily designed to prevent other users on the same device from seeing your activity. However, it does not shield you from the data-tracking practices of tech companies and other online entities.
The lawsuit against Google and the subsequent changes to the Incognito mode description serve as a reminder that true online privacy requires more than just using a private browsing mode. Users need to be aware of the various ways in which their online data can be collected and understand the limitations of the tools they use. This case has likely increased public awareness about the nature of online privacy and may influence how people manage their digital footprint.
