Google has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 over its Chrome browser’s incognito mode. The class action accused the tech giant of tracking, collecting, and identifying users’ browsing data in real-time. Even if the user opens a new incognito window, the tracking is still possible. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, alleged that Google violated wiretap laws by not disclosing this data collection to its users. The plaintiffs also accused Google of taking Chrome users’ private browsing activity. It then allows sites using Google Analytics or Ad Manager to collect information from browsers. This includes web page content, device data, and IP address.
Background
According to Reuters, Google has agreed to settle the lawsuit. The U.S. District Judge in Oakland, California, was originally scheduled to hear the class action lawsuit on February 5, 2024. However, lawyers for Google and consumers said they had reached a preliminary settlement. Thus, the class action lawsuit was shelved yesterday.
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According to reports, the lawsuit requires Google to compensate at least $5 billion. However, the terms of settlement are not available to the public. The lawyers said they had reached a “binding” draft through mediation and planned to submit a formal settlement by February 24, 2024, to obtain court approval.
The lawsuit was filed by Florida resident William Byatt and California residents Chasom Brown and Maria Nguyen. The lawsuit alleged that Google’s tracking and data collection practices continued even when users were in incognito mode, which led to the violation of users’ privacy.
Conclusion
The settlement of this lawsuit reflects Google’s willingness to address the concerns raised by the plaintiffs regarding the privacy implications of its Chrome browser’s incognito mode. By agreeing to the settlement, Google aims to resolve the legal dispute and move forward with a resolution that is satisfactory to all parties involved. The settlement should bring an end to the legal battle over the alleged privacy violations related to Chrome’s incognito mode.
Author Bio
Efe Udin is a seasoned tech writer with over seven years of experience. He covers a wide range of topics in the tech industry from industry politics to mobile phone performance. From mobile phones to tablets, Efe has also kept a keen eye on the latest advancements and trends. He provides insightful analysis and reviews to inform and educate readers. Efe is very passionate about tech and covers interesting stories as well as offers solutions where possible.
