Google has taken significant steps to address concerns raised in a class-action lawsuit regarding its handling of data collected from users utilizing Chrome's Incognito mode.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, accused Google of deceptive practices by not adequately informing users about the extent of data collection while in Incognito mode. Despite the mode's representation of providing private browsing, Google was found to track website usage without explicit user consent. In response, Google updated the language in Incognito mode in January 2024 to provide clearer disclosure of its data collection practices.
As part of the settlement, Google has committed to eliminating "billions of data points" that were improperly collected and will disable third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode. Furthermore, the company plans to phase out cookies entirely later in the year. While the settlement does not include financial compensation for Chrome users, affected individuals have the option to pursue individual legal action.
While awaiting final approval from the presiding judge, Google is concurrently dealing with other legal challenges, including ongoing disputes with the U.S. Department of Justice over its search and advertising practices. Allegations against Google include claims of preferential deals and monopolistic control over advertising tools, leading to harm within the search industry.
These legal battles have been ongoing since last September and are slated to continue into September 2024.
