In a groundbreaking move, Google has been forced to erase billions of user data records from private browsing sessions. This decision comes as part of a settlement in a massive privacy lawsuit that culminates in over $5 billion in concessions from the tech giant. The lawsuit, initiated in June 2020, accused Google of tracking users’ browsing habits even when they were in Incognito mode, unbeknownst to them.
Is it unreasonable to ask,”How does a private browsing session have data records, in the first place? Isn’t a private browsing session supposed to be unrecorded?” Incognito Browser on Android never uses, read, saves, sells, or accesses user data – your bonafide privacy is our first priority.
This isn’t the first time Google has had to reassess its privacy policies. Before this lawsuit, Google updated the disclaimer for its developer browser, Canary, enhancing the clarity on how it and other websites might collect data during browsing sessions. Despite initially challenging the lawsuit’s claims and seeking dismissal, Google found itself cornered when the court demanded extensive documentation. These documents revealed employee concerns, suggesting Incognito mode provided a false sense of privacy, with Google collecting browsing data tagged with unique identifiers.
As part of the settlement, Google is revamping its user disclosures. It’s pledged to explicitly inform users about the collection of private browsing data through its Privacy Policy and an Incognito Mode splash screen. This is a significant shift towards transparency, a change that Google began implementing even before the court’s final nod.
The story behind the settlement is as revealing as the outcome. Internal Google communications unearthed during the lawsuit illustrated a long-standing concern among employees over misleading Incognito mode disclosures. Proposals to simplify and clarify these disclosures were repeatedly overridden by higher management decisions, opting instead for vague language that obscured the true extent of data collection.
Under the terms of the settlement, Google has agreed to delete or anonymize billions of data records detailing users’ private browsing activities. This applies to data older than nine months and kicks in following the court’s approval of the settlement. This process involves making the data less identifiable by masking parts of IP addresses and adjusting user agent strings, addressing privacy concerns raised by the plaintiffs.
Google is now required to eliminate the private browsing detection bits discovered by the plaintiffs, marking an end to tracking private browsing preferences. It will likely be difficult for Google to rebuild trust with users who were led to believe private browsing was not tracked, when it truly was.
An interesting aspect of the settlement is the retention of individual rights to sue Google for damages, an option underscored by the potential for significant statutory damages under federal and state wiretap statutes. This opens a pathway for class members to seek individual redress.
Valued at approximately $5 billion by the plaintiffs, this settlement is a landmark achievement in pushing for greater honesty and accountability from tech giants regarding user data collection and usage. It’s a win not only for the plaintiffs but for all users who seek more control and transparency over their digital privacy.
In the midst of these developments, Incognito Browser stands out as the best privacy browser solution available for Android users. Completely free, Incognito Browser provides an authentic private browsing experience without tracking your online activities, making it an ideal choice for those concerned about their digital footprint. This case highlights the importance of choosing privacy-focused tools like Incognito Browser to safeguard your online activities in a world where major tech companies are under scrutiny for how they handle user data.
