A lawsuit alleging that Google Chrome follows users even in incognito mode was given the go-ahead after a judge ruled against Google’s request for dismissal.
A class action lawsuit, originally filed in the United States in June 2020 and claiming $ 5 billion in damages, claims that the browser allows websites to collect personal information about users, even when in Incognito mode page.
The lawsuit alleges that Google tools such as Google Analytics, Google Ad Manager and others are still collecting personal information, even though they allegedly asked them not to do so by using the browser in private mode.
Go to court
Google has vowed to defend itself “forcefully” because it refutes the claims made in the lawsuit.
‘In Incognito mode in Chrome, you can browse the web without storing your activity on your browser or device. “As we clearly state each time you open a new incognito tab, websites may collect information about your browsing activity during your session,” said Google Spokesman Jose Castaneda. Engadget.
Judge Lucy Koh was not impressed with Google’s argument, and sided with the plaintiffs, noting that Google did not notify the users of the data collection in private browsing mode.
The timing of the case is interesting because it is on the heels of the search engine that makes the right noises to defend the privacy of users against advertisers. The company has promised to bat for its users to help protect their privacy by phasing out tracking cookies and launching the Privacy Sandbox initiative to defend public standards for improving online privacy.
Via: Engadget