Google to wipe billions of browsing records after incognito mode controversy

• Google to delete user data collected in Chrome Incognito mode.
• Lawsuit alleged Google misled users by collecting browsing data in Incognito mode.
• Settlement allows users to file individual claims for damages.

Google has consented to erase data collected from users who utilized the Incognito mode of the Chrome browser, as part of a settlement for a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2020. The lawsuit disclosed that Google had misled users about its data collection practices, tracking their activity in Incognito mode without their knowledge. This data included the websites visited, a fact not made clear in the Incognito tab.

When a user enables Incognito mode on Google Chrome, the browser indicates that the browsing is “private” and that browsing history will not be saved. However, while the browser does notify that websites will collect data, it does not mention Google’s own data collection.

In January 2024, Google updated the wording in Incognito mode to clarify that Google collects the same data in Incognito mode as it does during standard browsing.

As part of the settlement, Google has committed to deleting “billions of data points” that were collected inappropriately. This includes revising the wording in Incognito mode and default blocking of third-party cookies. Google plans to remove cookies later this year. The settlement provides for damages to Google users, but they retain the right to file their own claims.

According to a report by MacRumors, citing the Wall Street Journal, Google has no issues with erasing “old technical data” not linked to users and used for personalization. The agreement is still pending final approval from the presiding judge.

Google is also wrapping up several smaller lawsuits it faces from the US Department of Justice regarding its search and advertising operations. Google was found guilty of establishing preferential deals that harmed the search market and exerting excessive control over advertising tools. The search-related lawsuit has been ongoing since last September, while the advertising lawsuit is set to be addressed in September 2024.

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