Google has agreed to delete billions of user data records collected through Chrome’s Incognito mode. This is part of a settlement in a class-action lawsuit alleging the company misled users about the privacy of its “private browsing” feature.
The settlement requires Google to be more transparent about Incognito’s limitations. The company must also block third-party cookies in Incognito mode by default and take steps to make past Incognito users less identifiable.
The lawsuit began in 2020, with plaintiffs claiming Google violated user privacy rights. Google initially denied wrongdoing, but the settlement marks a change in the company’s stance.
Users who utilized Incognito mode since June 2016 may be eligible for individual claims as part of the settlement. However, the class-action itself will not provide direct cash payments.
The settlement still requires official approval, but the changes to Incognito mode are expected to be fully implemented by July 30th of this year.
