Google agrees to delete ‘incognito’ browsing data to end privacy suit

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Have you ever found yourself using Chrome’s “Incognito” mode and feeling a twinge of concern about your privacy?

For those unfamiliar, “Incognito” mode browsing, also known as private browsing or privacy mode, is a feature available in most web browsers. It allows users to explore the internet without the browser retaining any information about the websites visited or searches conducted.

However, according to a lawsuit, concerns have been raised that even when users are browsing in “private,” Google continues to track them.

In response to these concerns, the internet giant has made a commitment. As part of a class-action settlement initiated by users who felt their privacy was compromised, they pledged to erase data collected on individuals using its “Incognito” mode.

As shared by The Washington Post, court documents filed on Monday in San Francisco federal court reveal the magnitude of this commitment as Google will start eliminating billions of data records associated with users engaging in “Incognito” browsing.

“This settlement is an historic step in requiring dominant technology companies to be honest in their representations to users about how the companies collect and employ user data, and to delete and remediate data collected,” remarked attorney David Boies, representing the consumers in the lawsuit.

According to the reports, the agreement not only mandates the deletion and remediation of collected data but also outlines significant alterations to Google’s “Incognito” mode on Chrome.

Among these changes, users will gain the ability to block tracking cookies commonly used for advertising purposes. Furthermore, Google commits to providing detailed disclosure regarding the extent of data retention on its users.

But unlike previous settlements in the tech industry, this agreement does not stipulate a specific monetary compensation for affected consumers.

The lawsuit, originally filed in June 2020, sought damages totaling at least $5 billion. While the settlement does not entail direct cash payouts, it offers Chrome users an avenue to seek financial recourse individually.

A hearing scheduled for July 30 before Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will determine the approval of the proposed settlement, potentially averting a high-profile trial in the class-action suit.