Google settled a class-action lawsuit filed in 2020 concerning Chrome's tracking of users in Incognito mode. To avoid a potential $5 billion in damages, Google agreed to destroy "billions of data points" collected inappropriately, enhance its data collection disclosures, and ensure Chrome's third-party cookies remain blocked by default for five years.
The lawsuit alleged Google misled users about the privacy of Incognito browsing while continuing to monitor their activity. Google countered, stating that Incognito mode was never promised to be invisible from site tracking. This settlement marks a significant step towards Google's broader effort to phase out third-party cookies, which will significantly impact Incognito users' privacy expectations.
[LinkedIn / The Verge / Reuters]
š„ 1st Contributor: Stefan Bergmeier
