Google resolves a $5 billion lawsuit alleging that it engaged in spying on users through the ‘incognito mode
Google has agreed to resolve a $5 billion privacy lawsuit that accused the company of spying on users who utilized the “incognito” mode in its Chrome browser, as well as similar “private” modes in other browsers, to monitor their internet activities.
The class-action lawsuit, filed in 2020, alleged that Google misled users by giving them the impression that their internet activities would not be tracked while using incognito mode. It argued that despite users employing supposedly “private” browsing, Google’s advertising technologies and other methods continued to record details of users’ site visits and activities.
Plaintiffs contended that Google’s actions resulted in an “unaccountable trove of information” about users who believed they had taken measures to safeguard their privacy.
The settlement, which was reached on Thursday, still requires approval from a federal judge. The specific terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but the original suit sought $5 billion on behalf of users. Plaintiffs’ lawyers anticipate presenting a final settlement agreement to the court by Feb. 24.
As of now, Google has not provided immediate comment on the settlement.