There has been a recent development regarding Google’s collection of web browsing data in its private browsing mode, known as “Incognito mode.” Google has agreed to a proposed settlement in the Brown v. Google case, where it will be required to destroy or de-identify billions of records of web browsing data collected from users in Incognito mode. This settlement will also mandate greater disclosure from the company about how it collects information in Incognito mode and put limits on future data collection. If approved by a California federal judge, the settlement could impact 136 million Google users.
The 2020 lawsuit was brought by Google account holders who accused the company of illegally tracking their behavior through the private browsing feature. The proposed settlement, valued at $5 billion, aims to address this issue by determining the value of data Google has stored and would be forced to destroy, as well as the data it would be prevented from collecting. Google would need to address data collected in private browsing mode in December 2023 and earlier, ensuring that any data that is not deleted must be de-identified.
The plaintiffs expressed satisfaction with the proposed settlement, stating that it ensures real accountability and transparency from Google, the world’s largest data collector. They believe that this settlement is a significant step towards improving and upholding the right to privacy on the internet. On the other hand, Google spokesperson José Castañeda mentioned that the company is pleased to settle the lawsuit, which they always believed was meritless. He clarified that the plaintiffs are not receiving any monetary compensation as part of the settlement.
One of the key components of the settlement is the changes that Google has agreed to make in how it discloses the limitations of its private browsing services. These changes have already been implemented on Chrome. Additionally, Google has agreed to allow users to block third-party cookies by default in Incognito mode for five years, preventing Google from tracking users on external websites while they are in private browsing. Individuals also have the option to file claims for damages in California state court, as outlined in the settlement terms.
Overall, the proposed settlement between Google and the plaintiffs in the Brown v. Google case marks a significant development in the protection of user privacy online. By requiring Google to destroy or de-identify billions of records of web browsing data collected in Incognito mode, as well as implementing greater transparency and limits on data collection, this settlement sets a precedent for accountability among tech giants. While Google maintains its stance that it never associates data with users in Incognito mode, the changes stipulated in the settlement will likely have lasting effects on how user data is handled in the future.
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