Alphabet Inc.’s Google has reached a substantial settlement regarding accusations of improper tracking of users’ internet activity while in “Incognito” mode.
The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, alleged that Google misled users about the privacy of their browsing activities, even when utilizing the mode intended to prevent such tracking.
As part of the settlement, Google will eliminate “billions” of data records and revise its disclosures concerning data collection during private browsing. This action is widely regarded as a significant stride in addressing privacy concerns and enhancing transparency in data collection practices.
Revelation Of The Settlement Details
In a filing at a San Francisco federal court, the settlement has been meticulously outlined, revealing Google’s pledge to purge an extensive array of data points collected without user consent.
Furthermore, Google will amend its privacy disclosures and grant users the option to deactivate third-party cookies in Incognito mode.
While the settlement does not entail direct compensation for individual users, it does facilitate the opportunity for them to lodge claims, with 50 such claims already lodged in California state court.
David Boies, representing the consumers, underscored the settlement’s significance in fostering integrity and responsibility within the tech sector.
Legal and Ethical Challenges for Google
This settlement arises against a backdrop of wider legal hurdles for Google, encompassing Justice Department lawsuits alleging monopolistic practices in search and ad-tech sectors.
The choice to erase significant user data marks a notable concession from Google, which heavily depends on data collection for its advertising operations.
Internal discussions disclosed during the lawsuit depicted Google executives deliberating on how to present the Incognito mode, amid worries about potentially misleading users concerning its privacy assurances.
Forthcoming Implications and Transparency Efforts
Following the settlement, Google has committed to bolstering transparency and user control over private browsing data.
This involves revising disclosures and implementing a modification to Incognito mode, which defaults to blocking third-party cookies for the next five years.
Nonetheless, the court’s ruling to certify the class for injunctive relief, but not for financial damages, implies that affected users seeking compensation must initiate individual lawsuits.
The collaboration between Boies Schiller and Morgan & Morgan to file these lawsuits indicates a strategic effort to tackle privacy breaches.
