In a significant development, Google’s parent company, Alphabet, has chosen to settle a substantial lawsuit alleging that the tech giant spied on users’ private data while they were browsing in the ‘Incognito’ mode. The lawsuit, which raised concerns about user privacy, accused Google of secretly tracking the internet use of millions of people who believed they were browsing privately in ‘Incognito’ mode.
Settlement Details and Lawsuit Background
Settlement Details and Lawsuit BackgroundWhile the exact terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the class action sought a significant amount of at least $5 billion (over ₹41,000 crore). The lawsuit was temporarily put on hold by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in a California court after Google conveyed that a settlement had been reached. Google’s lawyers have indicated that they agreed to a binding term sheet through mediation and expect to present a formal settlement for court approval by February 24, 2024.
Allegations of Incognito Mode Tracking
The lawsuit centred on allegations that Google violated user privacy by tracking their data without their knowledge, even when using the ‘Incognito’ mode. This private browsing mode, set up by Google, explicitly states that no cookies should be able to track users’ browsing history. However, the class action claimed that Google utilised tools like Google Analytics, cookies, and apps to monitor users’ online activities, turning the ‘Incognito’ mode into a potential tool for unauthorised data collection.
Google’s Access to ‘Private Data’ and the Judge’s Decision
Google’s Access to ‘Private Data’ and the Judge’s DecisionThe lawsuit contended that Google’s actions transformed the company into an “unaccountable trove of information,” allowing it to learn about users’ personal preferences, hobbies, favourite foods, shopping habits, and potentially embarrassing online searches. Despite Google’s attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed, the judge rejected this, emphasising that it was an open question whether Google had made a legally binding promise not to collect users’ data in private mode. The judge referred to Google’s privacy policy and other company statements suggesting limits on the information it might collect.
The settlement of this lawsuit raises important questions about user privacy and the extent to which tech companies are transparent about their data collection practices. While the details of the settlement are yet to be revealed, the case highlights the growing concerns around the protection of user data, even in supposedly private browsing modes. As we move forward, it remains crucial for technology companies to prioritize transparency and adhere to privacy commitments to maintain user trust in an era where digital privacy is of paramount importance.
Read about Google Agrees to $700 Million Settlement: Major Changes to Play Store Practices.
