- Google will delete billions of data records as part of a settlement for a lawsuit accusing the company of improperly tracking users’ web browsing habits when they used the “Incognito” private browsing mode in Chrome.
- As part of the settlement, Google must delete data records reflecting the private browsing activities of users involved in the class-action lawsuit, and update its disclosures to inform users about the data collected during private browsing sessions.
- For the next five years, Google will also allow private browsing users to block third-party cookies and will no longer track people’s choices to browse the internet privately.
Google has reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit accusing the company of tracking users’ browsing habits even when using Incognito mode. As part of the settlement, Google will delete billions of records and make changes to its Incognito mode disclosures.
Lawsuit Alleged Privacy Violations
The lawsuit was originally filed in 2020. It alleged that Google was misrepresenting the data it collects from users browsing in Incognito mode. Users expected increased privacy when using this mode in Chrome.
Google agreed to settle the suit in late 2022. The settlement terms were disclosed this week in court filings.
Settlement Requires Data Deletion and Disclosure Changes
Under the settlement terms, Google must delete billions of records related to the browsing history of Incognito mode users involved in the lawsuit.
Additionally, Google will update its Incognito mode disclosures. These changes will inform users what data gets collected whenever Incognito mode starts. Google has already implemented these new disclosures.
For the next five years, Incognito mode users will also have the option to block third-party cookies. Furthermore, Google can no longer track if someone chooses to browse privately.
Reaction to the Settlement
Attorney David Boies called this “a historic step in requiring honesty and accountability from dominant technology companies.” He highlighted the unprecedented data deletion required.
Google said they were pleased to settle a “meritless” lawsuit. A spokesperson said Incognito data is never tied to individual users. They’re happy to delete unused technical data.
The settlement doesn’t provide damages to users. However, individuals can still sue Google for damages related to this privacy violation.
