Oakland, California – Google has reached an agreement to delete billions of data records as part of a settlement in a lawsuit alleging that the company kept records of internet users who believed they were browsing privately in incognito mode.
The tech giant will also make changes to its disclosure practices to clarify to users what data may still be stored while using Chrome in incognito mode, under the terms of the settlement finalized in an Oakland Federal Court.
Initially filed by multiple plaintiffs in 2020, the lawsuit raised concerns about privacy violations amounting to a valuation of over $5 billion to $7.8 billion. Despite the settlement, Google will not face a monetary penalty, allowing plaintiffs to seek damages individually through separate filings.
Allegations from users suggested that Google, a subsidiary of California-based Alphabet Inc., utilized its analytics, apps, and cookies to track browsing data even when users were under the impression they were in incognito or private mode.
A unique feature of the settlement includes Google agreeing to permit users in private browsing modes to block third-party cookies for the next five years, further enhancing user privacy protection. This decision marks a significant step forward in addressing concerns related to online privacy violations and data tracking by major tech companies.
The settlement underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in data handling practices among tech companies, highlighting the ongoing challenges in safeguarding user privacy and data security in the digital age. By implementing these changes, Google aims to restore trust and confidence among users while emphasizing the importance of respecting user privacy rights in the digital sphere.
The case serves as a reminder of the critical need for rigorous oversight and enforcement mechanisms to ensure that tech companies comply with data protection regulations and respect user privacy rights. Going forward, it is essential for companies like Google to prioritize user privacy and data security in all aspects of their operations to build and maintain trust among their user base.